The fact that Mamelodi Sundowns only returned home from their triumphant Caf Champions League final clash with Egyptian giants Zamalek yesterday, won’t have any effect on tonight’s Telkom Knockout clash against Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium (kick-off 6pm).
This is the view of Rise and Shine striker Thobani Mncwango who believes that City will have to play as if their lives dependend on it, if they are to send the defending champions packing.
Mncwango also stated that the long flight from Alexandria, Egypt to South Africa, wouldn’t have any effect on the defending champions, as they have enough quality and depth in their squad.
“It's not going to be an easy game for us; that I can guarantee you. They've just returned home with a star (CAF Champions League title) and chances are they’ll be highly motivated to hit the ground running. The travelling won’t have any effect on them.
“They are the defending champions and you know, with a team such as Sundowns, there’s always pride that’s at stake. They wouldn’t want to lose to us. That would be embarrassing for them. But having said that; we are ready for them.”
Mncwango personally wants to excel tonight as he anticipates to have kept his place in the Bafana Bafana squad that coach Shakes Mashaba will announce this morning for the World Cup qualifying clash against Senegal which will be played in Polokwane next month. He was given his first call-up when Mashaba included him in the squad that drew with Burkina Faso in the opening qualifier a fortnight ago.
The 29-year old striker didn’t get to play in that match though. Instead, he was given a run in the friendly against Ghana two days later in Durban.
Playing for his country, Mncwango said, was a huge confidence booster for his club football and he wants to do better than last season when he finished as City's top scorer with 13 goals.
“ I’ve only scored two in this campaign and I was a bit disappointed with myself before the call-up,” Mncwango said.
“I felt I wasn’t delivering much for the team. But that call-up helped me to refocus and not be too hard on myself. I intend to use this clash to prove I belong in Bafana squad.”
The Star