Aubrey Modiba says Mamelodi Sundowns can use Polokwane City’s early-season outing to their advantage

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba believes his side have a slight advantage over Polokwane City ahead of their MTN8 quarter-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, despite beginning the new season later than planned.

Sundowns were due to open their Betway Premiership campaign against Marumo Gallants last week, but the match was postponed following the death of midfielder Jayden Adams. The postponement also disrupted the club’s pre-season preparations and delayed their departure for a training camp in Austria.

While Sundowns have yet to play a competitive match this season, Polokwane City began their league campaign with a victory over Richards Bay at the weekend. Modiba believes that result could benefit his team because it has given Sundowns an opportunity to assess their opponents before the two sides meet in the MTN8.

“Mentally we were prepared to play on August 1. I think everyone would have loved to play, and we don’t want to fall behind because teams are collecting points. We don’t want to play catch up games,” Modiba said.

“But there is nothing we could have done because of the situation. We had to accept that and focus on the MTN8 game against Polokwane City, and they have already played.

“They have a new coach and have brought in new players. That game will help us analyse their strengths and weaknesses going into the match. The advantage for us is that they don’t know a lot about us this season.”

Sundowns are entering the competition with the aim of winning the MTN8 after a disappointing return in the domestic competitions last season. Masandawana won only one trophy in the previous campaign, the CAF Champions League, and Modiba says success in this tournament would provide an important platform for the season ahead.

“We are aware of not being able to win local competitions. Hopefully we can win the MTN8. We know it is not going to be easy,” he said.

“[Orlando] Pirates have won it four times in a row, and it shows they take it seriously.

“Continuity in the team, same technical team, and hopefully we can achieve big things together.”

Modiba acknowledged the challenge posed by Orlando Pirates, who have dominated the MTN8 by winning the competition four consecutive times. He also pointed to the value of Sundowns retaining the same technical team and maintaining continuity within the squad as they attempt to improve on last season’s domestic results.

The quarter-final against Polokwane City will therefore be Sundowns’ first competitive fixture of the new campaign, while their postponed Betway Premiership meeting with Marumo Gallants has left them with a league match to rearrange.

The source article also directed readers to join the Sowetan WhatsApp channel for the latest news. It listed MTN8 fixtures for Saturday and Sunday, although no individual fixtures were provided.