by Benjamin Nyirenda
DStv Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who are yet to lose a game this season, played to a one all draw with Stellenbonsch FC in Cape Town on Saturday evening and this was one fixture the club knew it was not going to be easy.
Speaking after the match, Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi said that they expected a tough game from their opponents as they expected them to use (Stanley) Dingba and (Ashely) Du Preez up front and also Junior Mandieta as a number 10 while playing Nathan Sinkala in the midfield.
” Though they change the playing personnel the young players who came in did very well and they also used a different defensive partnership than the one we expected from them to use on the day,” Mngqithi said.
On the penalty which Stellies got, Mngqithi said he still has to see if indeed it was a penalty or not.
” We played very well from the first half where we created chances which we could not use, ” he said.
He however added that in the second half the wind was on their side but didn’t use it to their advantage as they over hit the ball.
Mngqithi also said they were happy to welcome back Rivaldo Cotzee but at the same time they missed the presence of injured Neo Maema who has been on hot form lately.
On the games which will come thick and fast before the festive season Mngqithi said of it is difficult for Sundowns then its difficult for other teams as well because of different health reasons as well as injuries but confessed that Sundowns have a better death in their squad which will help them.
He said their next two games are very important and they want to make sure they collect maximum points from them.