Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi says his team are staring at the “scary” prospect of facing desperate Mbabane Swallows, who are hell-bent on salvaging pride after suffering a 4-0 thrashing a week ago in their first-leg clash.
Hosts Sundowns and Swallows will return to the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium tomorrow (6pm kick-off) for the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash.
After Tuesday’s Tshwane derby that Masandawana won 2-0 over SuperSport United, Mngqithi feels his side’s preparations for tomorrow’s clash have been restricted to two days. He is not comfortable with this turnaround time.
“We only have today (Thursday) and tomorrow for preparations, and that is not much time,” said Mngqithi, who cut a worried figure when facing the media at yesterday’s presser at the Brazilians’ headquarters at Chloorkop in Pretoria.
“Fortunately, it is a team that we played already, and we know they are dangerous – so we cannot take things for granted.
“This is a team that is dangerous on transition. They are equally dangerous at set-piece time, but it is something we managed to nullify in the first match last week.
“This match becomes a scary one because it becomes all or nothing for Swallows. They will give everything, even the kitchen sink at you, just to salvage pride. This makes it a difficult contest for us.
“I believe the group (of players) we have understand what is required, and I’m sure they will deliver what is expected of them.”
Mngqithi was joined by Sundowns defender Thapelo Morena, who sang from the same hymn sheet as his coach: “The most important thing for us as players is to focus our minds on the game, and not take it for granted because we are 4-0 up.”
Morena, who played the full match while several key players were rested on Tuesday against SuperSport, said Masandawana’s early goals allowed them to settle down and control matters in the first half, when they scored three goals.
“Like the coach said, this match will be a difficult one,” said Morena. “They have quick players, and we made sure in the first match we scored early. This allowed us to contain Swallows, and be able to play our normal football.”
Morena said the club’s heavy schedule was demanding, and he shared his thoughts on players living a balanced life.
“I think for me, the most important thing is the badge. We’re playing for a big team that we all know we have to put in the right space,” said Morena.
Thursday sessions! 💪⏳#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/jtlqDN0H6X
“It is not all about me. It is about the team and supporting one another on the field. Even if I do not play, there’s a player in my position, and I will give him respect. I will advise him on how to improve.
“Next time it might be me, and I will also need help. If I don’t give help, then I won’t receive it.
“It is what you do off the pitch because normally we play every three days. It’s how you recover and what you eat that is important for us as players.
“For me mostly, it’s about spending time with my family, trying to improve and watching a lot of football. Recovery is one of the most important things, as is training well and then giving your best on the pitch.”