SOCCER: Clinton Asary
WHEN Clemens Westerhof took charge of Sundowns this season he predicted that the “Brazilians” would win the league this year.
But it has been a far from satisfactory start for the “supercoach” who led Nigeria to the 1994 African Nations Cup, and the last 16 of the World Cup the same year.
Two consecutive defeats against Orlando Pirates, a goalless draw against Cape Town Spurs and a lacklustre victory over African Wanderers have put the new coach under pressure from the Sundowns supporters, who jeered Westerhof as he left the field after the Spurs game.
On Sunday the Brazilians host Bloemfontein Celtic at Mabopane’s Odi Stadium and their supporters will accept nothing less than a win.
However, Sundown’s PRO Alex “Goldfinger” Shakoane is optimistic, “We are confident of victory on Sunday. Our new signing Roger Feutemba, a Cameroon international, will give us added punch up front,” he said.
Shakoane also appealed to the Sundowns supporters to be patient, and support the management team. “The supporters are looking at Sundowns from the outside, whereas we are on the inside. They should support the coach, as the supporters are like having a 12th player on the pitch,” he said.
But Celtic boss Petrus “Whitehead” Molemela predicted a tough match, “We must win, also we are playing better than before. Sundowns can expect a tough game, as we will be running very hard,” he said.
Firmly entrenched at the bottom of the log, Moroka Swallows host Total Aces at Dobsonville tomorrow, and judging by their previous performances, it is unlikely that the “Birds” will be flying high this weekend.
At home, Umtata Bucks should have little difficulty in overcoming newly promoted African Wanderers, who have yet to win a game after two outings.