Mamelodi Sundowns urged to stay calm despite defensive concerns

Koketso Mmotong believes Mamelodi Sundowns supporters have little reason to panic, despite the team’s failure to consistently keep clean sheets and their performances not yet reaching the usual standard.

Sundowns began the new season mourning the death of teammate Jayden Adams, who passed away unexpectedly in July, shortly after returning from the FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana. Mmotong says the emotional impact of that loss should be considered when assessing the club’s sometimes unconvincing displays.

Miguel Cardoso’s side have nevertheless made a strong start in terms of results. They have won four of their league matches and drawn another, while also reaching the MTN8 final. Their main weakness has been at the back, with Sundowns recording only two clean sheets in eight matches across all competitions.

They will face Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

Mmotong expects an open contest, particularly because Golden Arrows will be determined to respond after their defeat by Sundowns in the two-legged MTN8 semi-final.

“Those Arrows boys can run, therefore I am expecting an entertaining game,” says Mmotong, previewing the fixture with KickOff.

“I’m expecting attacking football from both teams. Arrows will surely be looking for revenge. What happened in the two-legged MTN8 semi-final has given Arrows players a lot of confidence ahead of this one.

“Sundowns might not be that well-oiled machine for now in terms of play, and that’s because we are still in our early days of mourning our fallen hero Jayden Adams.”

The former winger also believes Adams’ absence has created an opportunity for other players to establish themselves in the team.

“We now have to give chances to other new players.

“But I like the fact that we are still winning games despite all that. Sundowns will still challenge for everything this season. The boys are scoring, so I don’t understand why fans are panicking,” adds the former winger.

Sundowns’ results have remained positive even though they have not regularly shut out opponents. Their ability to continue scoring has helped them maintain momentum in the league and reach the final of the MTN8.

Mmotong expects the meeting with Golden Arrows to be closely contested but remains confident that the reigning force will take all three points.

“The Arrows game, I believe, is going to be difficult, but we are going to win again. It’s going to be a narrow win – a one-goal margin.”

The match at King Zwelithini Stadium starts at 15:00.