Mamelodi Sundowns will want to avoid one important element that can disrupt their preparations for the African Football League when they travel to TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout last 16 clash on Wednesday evening.
The Brazilians will be without at least seven players when they face the Rockets at Mbombela Stadium, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba, Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena, who were all with Bafana Bafana in Ivory Coast, following a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening.
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Sundowns’ Kenyan defender Brian Onyango may also miss out after he travelled with his national team to Turkey, where they played to a 2-2 draw with Russia in an international friendly on Monday night and there is also a number of players who were ruled out of the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates with injuries before the FIFA break.
With the Tshwane giants’ preparations for the African Football League quarter-final clash against Petro de Luanda on Saturday in Angola already compromised and squad depth stretched to the limit, they can’t afford to go to extra-time against the Rockets, as that could put further strain regarding fatigue and possible injuries.
Sundowns utility player Lebohang Maboe suggested as much speaking to the club’s media ahead of their clash against Galaxy.
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“We always go to every game to win each game and knowing that it’s a cup game, I think it’s important for us to finish it within 90 minutes you know and try our level best to put the team into the next round,” Maboe said.
Maboe also opened up on the challenge of facing Galaxy with a depleted squad.
“We’ve got a very tight schedule you know but I think when you sign up for such a big club you have to be ready at all times, whenever the coach needs you, you just have to perform and help the team. I think everyone is ready to perform and help the team,” he said.
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The former Maritzburg United attacker continued and profiled some players they will be looking to keep quiet from Galaxy.
“The likes of (Mlungisi) Mbunjana, Samir Nurkovic, we know he’s good with holding up play, we know Mbunjana helps them tick a lot and the likes of (Lindokuhle) Mbatha as well. So they’ve got quite a few players that we know are good,” he said.
“We’d also like to call upon our 12th man, the supporters, to come in numbers to rally behind the team,” he added.
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