By John Goliath
Santos hard man Mogogi Gabonamong on Wednesday issued a stern warning to the Bloemfontein Celtic attackers ahead of Sunday's Telkom Knockout first-round tie at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.
Gabonamong and his team-mates expect Celtic not to hold back on their punches. The home side are still without a win this season and their fickle supporters are now demanding results from new coach Mich D'Avray and his players.
The likes of Moses Spandeel, Kleinbooi Taaibos and Petrus Mahlatsi have been very disappointing for Celtic so far this season, often looking rather clueless in front of goal.
Poor finishing has left the Free State club propping up the Premiership table with only one point from four matches.
"They are definitely going to come hard at us," Gabonamong told the Cape Times on Wednesday.
"They haven't had good results of late, but they are going to ask questions of our defence. We will have to be at our best.
"They have a lot of good players who haven't performed as well as they have in the past. They are under a lot of pressure and need to win this game. It is going to be a fast-paced match."
The Botswana international added: "But we are used to fighting, and we will not lie down. We know how dangerous they can be, but we will confront them with our style of play. We have our own strategy of handling opponents."
According to "Gino", as Gabonamong is affectionately known to his team-mates, the hot weather in the Mother City over the past week has helped Santos to prepare for the dry conditions that are the norm in central South Africa.
It is definitely an advantage for the People's Team to play on Sunday, because it gives them an extra day to acclimatise following the rather long, wet winter the Cape has experienced this year.
The Seisa Ramabodu Stadium pitch will also be very hard, which will definitely contribute to a fast-paced game. The final 20 minutes could have a serious impact on the visitors if they are not well prepared for the conditions.
The Cape side could not cope with similar conditions against Free State Stars in league and cup fixtures in Bethlehem last season, but Gabonamong said they had learnt a few lessons from past experiences.
"We have no choice but to put up with the weather and the long journey to the Free State," he pointed out. "It's part of (domestic) football and we have to adjust, and I think we have the experience to do that."
Meanwhile, Sapa reports that Platinum Stars assistant coach Cavin Johnson has expressed the opinion that the incentive for players should not be money, but winning trophies, collecting medals and playing good football.
Stars take on Ajax Cape Town on Saturday in the first round of the knockout competition that offers a first prize of R4,25-million. The Tycoons were the Telkom winners in 2006.
"It should be about the trophy, being the champions and playing good football. The players must want the trophy in the cabinet and medals in their hands - and not the cash," Johnson stated.
"It's not going to be easy because Ajax have young and hungry players who are known to cause upsets," the Cape club's former assistant coach noted.
"Mabhudi Khanyeza and Sameegh Doutie have been excellent in attack for them, so we have to keep an eye on them. Eduardo (Ferreira) is one of the finest defenders in the country, and Brett Evans has always been consistent at left back. I rate him highly.
"We'll have our work cut out, but beating a team like this is a highlight because they're a quality side. We'll be going all out for this one."