THE general feeling this season has been that Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits have the two best squads but there’s still some doubt as to which team actually has the better group of players. On Saturday in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium, the battle could be won in midfield, where there is an abundance of talent on either side, when the two clubs meet to compete for the season’s first piece of silverware.
Here is how Sundowns and Wits rival each other in the middle of the park:
Sundowns’ options
Hlompho Kekana, Keagan Dolly, Tiyani Mabunda, Lucky Mohomi, Samuel Julies, Teko Modise, Anthony Laffor, Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Morena, Surprise Moriri, Anthony Laffor
The Brazilians have a slight advantage here as coach Pitso Mosimane can turn his midfielders into strikers. Take Laffor and Tau for instance, as well as former Clever Boy Sibusiso Vilakazi and Khama Billiat, who will be featured as forwards in today’s analysis. These players have offered Mosimane the luxury of having them play further upfront knowing that captain Kekana and Mabunda can settle in their roles as anchormen and also contribute with goals. Downs have been able to almost field two different sides while pursuing continental glory while trying to balance that with also being effective in the domestic league. Yes, that has a lot do to with the fact they are able to buy any player earmarked. But they have used those resources well and the reinforcements they brought in after last season’s championship success have made them stronger.
Grade: 9/10
Wits’ options
Xolani Mlambo, Daine Klate, Thabang Monare, Elias Pelembe, Phumlani Ntshangase, Wangu Gome, Jabulani Shongwe, Ben Motshwari, Dillon Sheppard, Vincent Pule, Sifiso Myeni, Mogakolodi Ngele
Several players are yet to even get a look in, but these are some terrific alternatives for coach Gavin Hunt for when injuries and a demanding fixture list comes into play. On the evidence of how the two sides have fared up to now, Saturday’s final is an easy sell for what could be a great advert for SA football. There’s a lot of class in these players and if Hunt isn’t tempted to chop and change, as he so often does, then Wits could overpower their opponents. Having said that, the international break will follow soon after this MTN8 clash, meaning both sides may feel they can go for broke and grab the R8-million bonanza. The disadvantage for Wits is perhaps the fact that those who have only managed a few minutes on the pitch so far might be a little rusty, while Sundowns have maybe rotated enough.
Grade: 8/10
Follow Mazola Molefe on Twitter@superjourno
The Star