Concerns Rise: “Almost Every Game, We Lose a Player Against Pirates”

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has urged the referees to ensure a fair and entertaining match in Saturday’s MTN8 final between his side and defending champions Orlando Pirates. The two sides recently met in a Premiership match which produced nine yellow cards, and Mokwena hopes that the final won’t be marred by physicality and tackles that are over the top.

Speaking at a press conference held at Chloorkop on Thursday, Mokwena said: “Hopefully it’s a good game of football without the harassment of referees, without physicality of tackles that are over the top. Almost every game, we lose a player against Pirates, like with a very severe injury. Haashim Domingo in the Carling Black Label, (Abbubeker) Nasir is still not here because of the situation with (Siyabonga) Mpontshane and in the last game, (Nkosinathi) Sibisi took Marcelo (Allende) out on the halfway line with a studs up, two-footed tackle. And Marcelo has not really recovered from that.”

Sundowns are preparing well for the final and are not paying too much attention to Pirates’ recent struggles. Mokwena added: “We’ve been preparing well. We’ve tried to focus a little bit on understanding what personality is needed from us on Saturday and the players have been responding well.”

The MTN8 final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates takes place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.