Cape Argus E-dition

Stellies up for Sundowns challenge

MAMELODI Sundowns are gearing up for what on the surface looks like a fixture programme from hell.

The Premiership champions travel to Stellenbosch FC tomorrow before hosting Royal AM in midweek, after which they have a Tshwane derby encounter against SuperSport United before facing Baroka FC, Orlando Pirates, AmaZulu FC and Marumo Gallants ahead of a seven-week break until February.

“One must look at our programme very closely to see the challenges we are facing,” said Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

These challenges have been compounded with the champions suffering a “flu bug” within the team ruling out a few players, including midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise.

However, Mngqithi is more concerned with a Stellenbosch team who have shown great improvement this season.

Although the home team have just lost two consecutive matches, Steve Barker’s side began the season like a house on fire with an 11-game unbeaten run.

And Barker is preparing his team for the biggest challenge in SA football.

“Sundowns are the benchmark in South African football. They have achieved a great deal; unbeaten this season again, nly lost one game last season. Definitely a formidable opponent,” Barker said.

“But it is also an opportunity for us to gauge where we are at. We have had a couple of disappointing results of late and we (are) looking to bounce back and get back to winning ways. It is important that we go into the game and have belief that we can get a positive result even if it won’t be easy.”

SPORT

en-za

2021-12-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

http://capeargus.pressreader.com/article/281706912964168

African News Agency