Mamelodi Sundowns eyeing return to top spot vs. tough rivals

As they return to the domestic scene, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena is eyeing a return to the top spot against tough rivals.

Mokwena will lead Sundowns against SuperSport United out to return to the top spot against a rival he calls a tough one at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

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The two Tshwane rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport are set to meet in what is seen as a top-of-the-table clash as the winner will move to the top of the table.

Speaking about their mission, Mokwena says they must take it one game at a time and their mission is to go for a win.

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MAMELODI SUNDOWNS EYEING RETURN TO TOP SPOT VS. TOUGH RIVALS

Sundowns are placed second on the log table and trail leaders, Cape Town City with a point and face a third–placed SuperSport.

Masandawana and Mokwena return to their DStv Premiership assignment after their last match back on September 20 when they beat Orlando Pirates 1-0.

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“The reality is we just go one game at a time, one session at a time, and we try to win the day,” Mokwena explained to the media.

“We try to make sure that wherever it is that we participate in, we do it to the best of our ability. If it’s a friendly game, we try to win. That’s the mentality that we are trying to instill and that helps.

“You don’t have to play the tournaments or games about the title or competition, but you play them with objectives and the mentality of trying to win.

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“It’s going to be a difficult game because they play with a strong midfield three that becomes midfield two and maybe with a possibility of inverted full backs that overload and make midfield five.”

MOKWENA ON FACING TOUGH RIVALS, TARGETING TOP SPOT

The 36-year-old Mokwena is aware that the league encounter against Gavin Hunt’s troops will not be a walk in the park.

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While Mokwena rested his key players skipper Themba Zwane and midfielder Teboho Mokoena in the CAF Champions League last weekend, the duo is expected to start in Atteridgeville.

“So it will be very interesting and of course, that then determines on the 30% of how we decide to play the match,” he adds.

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“I’m happy that we prepared the stadium for SuperSport. So, we will play on a very good pitch and when we play on that that’s one of the conditions you need for a good game.

“You need three conditions for a good game. You need a good team, which is Sundowns, you need a good pitch, which I think now at Lucas, we have a good one.

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“And then you need a good opponent, which is SuperSport. Those three conditions for sure will put us in a space where we expect a very good derby.”

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