Aubrey Modiba calls on Mamelodi Sundowns to respond against AmaZulu

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba says the team must immediately recover from their MTN8 semi-final first-leg defeat when they face AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday.

Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Lamontville Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium was Sundowns’ first defeat of the season. The result leaves the Brazilians with work to do in the second leg of the semi-final, despite having controlled large periods of the match.

Golden Arrows secured victory through Sede Dion’s first-half goal. Sundowns created pressure but could not find a way beyond Abafana Bes’thende’s defence, allowing their opponents to take an advantage into the return fixture.

Modiba felt there were encouraging elements in Sundowns’ display, although he said the squad had no time to dwell on the setback with another important match approaching.

“Playing AmaZulu is never easy of course but right now we need to shift our attention to the league game because obviously we suffered a loss against Arrows but we’re taking the positives from that game into the league game,” he said.

The immediate priority for Sundowns is to maintain their strong start to the Betway Premiership. Modiba said the club’s expectations mean one defeat cannot be allowed to develop into a sequence of disappointing results.

“At Sundowns we always try to not lose consecutive games so we have to bounce back and collect all three points.”

AmaZulu, also known as Usuthu, will provide the opposition at Loftus Versfeld, where Sundowns will have home advantage and the chance to respond in front of their supporters.

Modiba believes that taking maximum points in home matches will be vital if the Brazilians are to challenge strongly for another Betway Premiership title.

“Of course it’s important to collect points at home because if you do that then you stand a good chance of doing well in the league.”

Sundowns began their home league campaign with a victory over Marumo Gallants. Modiba is hoping the side can produce another convincing performance at Loftus Versfeld when they meet AmaZulu.

“If you look at the last league game at home, we did well and hopefully we can replicate that performance.”

The match comes during a demanding period for Sundowns, who must first restore their momentum in the league before returning their attention to the MTN8 semi-final against Lamontville Golden Arrows.

The defeat at Lucas Moripe Stadium was a rare setback for a team that had started the season strongly, but the second leg remains to be played. For now, Modiba’s focus is on ensuring Sundowns return to winning ways and collect all three points against AmaZulu.