Mamelodi Sundowns switch focus to Richards Bay after MTN 8 triumph

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ricardo Goss says the club has put its MTN 8 success and celebrations behind it as it prepares to face Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening.

The Brazilians defeated Orlando Pirates to reclaim the MTN 8 title at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Their attention quickly turned back to league duties, with the squad returning to training the following day ahead of the match.

Sundowns lead the Betway Premiership with 20 points from eight matches, while Richards Bay, known as the Natal Rich Boys, sit 14th with three points from seven games.

Goss said Sundowns were expecting a demanding contest despite the contrasting league positions and warned that Richards Bay would be eager to test the champions.

“The weekend game is gone,” said Goss.

“We are focused on the upcoming league game and we have shifted our focus to the Richards Bay game. It’s not going to be an easy game and that’s why we want to focus. It’s a league game and we also wish to do well in the game.”

Richards Bay’s youthful squad, according to Goss, could pose a particular threat through its pace and energy.

“They are a very young side. They are exciting, they run, they’ve got energy and we know that they are going to want to run at us,” he said.

The goalkeeper acknowledged that Richards Bay may believe Sundowns will be affected by the effort of the MTN 8 final and its aftermath.

“They’ll probably think we are tired but I think we’ve got the experience and we should apply ourselves in the game,” Goss added.

“We can come away with a difficult three points but I think we can do it.”