I’m ready for a big game, says Pitso

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 03, New Sundowns head coach, Pitso Mosimane (Coach) during the Mamelodi Sundowns press conference at Chloorkop on December 03, 2012 in Pretoria, South Africa Photo by Lee Warren / Gall Images

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 03, New Sundowns head coach, Pitso Mosimane (Coach) during the Mamelodi Sundowns press conference at Chloorkop on December 03, 2012 in Pretoria, South Africa Photo by Lee Warren / Gall Images

Published Dec 4, 2012

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Johannesburg – Mamelodi Sundowns will start to get their league campaign back on track this week, according to new coach Pitso Mosimane.

“I have faced big teams like Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Egypt, so I am ready for a big game,” Mosimane said.

The former Bafana Bafana coach, who was appointed on Monday as a replacement for Johan Neeskens, was preparing for a baptism of fire against Free State Stars in a Premiership encounter in Phuthaditjhaba on Wednesday.

The Brazilians were in 15th position on the log, with only two wins, after 12 rounds of league matches.

Mosimane, who had spent little time with the players, said he would do his homework to prepare his side for the match.

“I only have one training session with the team before Wednesday, so I will have to assess them and see,” he said.

“I've only been here for a day so let me diagnose first before I can write a prescription.”

Sixth-placed Stars were a tough prospect on their home ground, according to Mosimane.

“Not many people come out of there with a win, and I think we know the mentality of that team.”

He lauded Stars' coach, Steve Komphela, who took over from Mosimane as interim Bafana mentor before the appointment of Gordon Igesund in July.

“The calibre of the coach (Komphela) and his credibility is known to us all. They have excellent players and they have belief and confidence.”

The new Sundowns mentor said he had kept an eye on the big-spending Brazilians before he took the reins, and he was doing more intensive analysis of previous matches ahead of their first game under his charge.

“When I watch, I rewind and rewind, I have a pile of matches at home to watch, both of Stars' and Sundowns' last six or seven games.”

In other matches on Wednesday, Chippa United play Orlando Pirates at Athlone Stadium, Wits host University of Pretoria at Bidvest Stadium and Black Leopards are up against AmaZulu in Polokwane. – Sapa

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