After a week without a midweek match, Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for their final DStv Premiership match before the international break when they face AmaZulu FC on Sunday at Loftus.
After a shaky start to the season, Masandawana enter the match atop the league standings and will face a Usuthu side fighting for form and wallowing in the relegation zone. The Brazilians will be seeking their third consecutive victory after victories against Chippa United and Golden Arrows.
Sunday will be a difficult test for the team, as Coach Rulani emphasized in his game remarks:
“Preparations are going well, and we’re ensuring that we’re in a side to prepare for a very challenging opponent — AmaZulu are a very good team with very good players. Transfer window work demonstrates this. They have a good technical team.”
“They are a really good game, and it will be a difficult side for us, but we are pleased; the more difficult the match, the better for us. They average the most number of shots from outside the penalty team and are extremely aggressive in transition. They play set pieces in an attempt to create opportunities, therefore intelligent defense is crucial for us.”
After a hectic start to the season, Bafana Ba Style were offered a break as they were not scheduled to play midweek, allowing them extra game to prepare for the upcoming match. Coach Rulani praised the break and described its benefits for his team:
It’s always good to have a neutral week, as it allows us to work on a few things and integrate the new players, who haven’t had the time to work with the time in order to acclimate to the culture.
The news that midfielder Themba Zwane had been called up to the Bafana Bafana side for the forthcoming international break made Coach Rulani ecstatic. Zwane had been out from the national team for a lengthy spell.
“This is excellent news, and I am thrilled since I have been lobbying for it. Hugo Broos deserves praise for being able to bring such a guy to the national team when he possesses such talent and qualities. It is merited; football should always be based on meritocracy.
New agreement Marcelo Allende also spoke during the press conference and, in response to queries from the media, described his goals for the team.
“Sundowns is one of the strongest teams in Africa, and the major reason I came here was to win titles. I am quite good with the caliber of our players and coaching team.
Each team has its own style of play, which makes the league’s quality incredibly intriguing.
On the day when Mamelodi Sundowns play AmaZulu FC at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, club veteran Hlompho Kekana will be honored with a special halftime ceremony. The match will be broadcast on SuperSport channel 202 and will begin at 15:00.
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