ITS Wafa Wafa time!
Who wants it most as Mamelodi Sundowns takes on Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final on Saturday, 07?
One thing about soccer- it has no ‘therefore’ as always punted by the legendary commentator ntate Cebo ‘CC’ Manyaapelo, may his Soul continue to rest in Peace!
Simply put, anything can happen on Saturday, tables can turn and the sea thunder at any given time.
Bucs who are the defending champions, would want to repeat the same feat by holding on to the newly designed silverware.
Albeit blowing hot and cold lately, Bucs are no pushovers and when coming to cup games, change is imminent, having studied the tactics and application of pressured football by the Spaniard mentor Jose Riviero.
The Buccaneers possess the pedigree and the know-how to win cup finals- they’ve done it as underdogs in most games. So the bones might turn the Orlando’s direction.
To pick one player, a striker Zakhele Lepasa, he can, and will, rise to the occasion when odds are stacked against him, so would pint-sized Kermit Erasmus and left footed Deon Hotto.
Downs on the other hand would not want anyone to dent their marauding form.
Currently topping the PSL log, the Mamelodi side boast top stars drawn from all corners of the world- thanks to deep pockets and would not want to be ‘adding the numbers’ on the day.
Look, the entire Downs squad can match any international outfit; and the experience of playing constantly in the African Champions League, augurs well for coach Rhulani Mokwena’s side, mentally, physically and tactical ability, hence at this rate it would be difficult, but not impossible, to catch this ‘Chukwu train’ in reference to former striker who banged goals as if they were going out fashion.
The PSL defending champions are aware Bucs, are wounded as a result of latest results but seasoned campaigners such as Themba Zwane, Mthobi Mvala, and deadly striker Peter Shalulile, would not be swayed by such and will be able to read the game and offer alternative support to their teammates, when ‘chips are down’.
My personal request- may we please experience a flowing football instead of life- threatening tackles on Saturday, asomblief tog…
Let the best team win!
With tickets sold out already- the 56,000-capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium, this would be another good advert for soccer in mzansi.
Kick- off 6pm.
Image (Assistant coaches of both Bucs and Downs in the company of eThekweni Mayor Mxololisi Kaunda at the press brief in Durban).
