Pieterse compares prolific Sede Dion with former Sundowns tormentor Brockie

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse says Golden Arrows striker Junior Sede Dion poses a similar challenge to the one previously presented by Jeremy Brockie.

Dion has scored eight goals against Sundowns in the PSL, making the reigning champions his most productive opponents in the competition. Only Siyabonga Nomvethe, who scored 10 times against Sundowns, has found the net more often against the club in PSL history.

Speaking on the Downs’ Pitchside Podcast, Pieterse highlighted Dion’s movement, determination and ability to benefit from sustained pressure, while explaining how Sundowns have previously dealt with players who repeatedly threatened them.

“I’m sure it does become a personal thing, but I always say like a goalkeeper is as good as his defenders, but it’s a collective effort,” Pieterse said.

“And of course, if you look at Dion, his movement is very good. He’s again another fearless striker that works tirelessly. And sometimes that hard work gets rewarded, you know.”

The goalkeeper said Dion’s persistence often puts him in position to take advantage of crosses and other opportunities, rather than relying solely on the quality of his finishing.

“And even if it’s a fluke shot, and not to say that he’s been scoring that, but I’m saying his persistence and hard work gets him that and gets him on the end of crosses and things like that,” he added.

Pieterse believes Sundowns’ response should centre on preparation rather than concern, drawing a comparison with the way the club once planned specifically to prevent Brockie from attacking dangerous areas.

“But I don’t think it’s a concern, a thing that we need to worry about. I think it’s just, you know, it comes down to that thing we had the discussion about set pieces. When you over prepare that,” he said.

“I remember there was a time where we used to focus on Jeremy Brockie. Every time, boom, far post is Brockie. So every time, I feel like it’s another case of that and it comes down to the thing of set pieces that because you emphasize that don’t make sure that he doesn’t get on the end of it.”