/ 28 November 1997

Rothmans to be decided at midfield

FRIDAY, 8.05AM:

SATURDAY’S big soccer clash is the inaugural Rothmans Cup at Soweto’s FNB Stadium,in which both Mamelodi Sundowns and favourites Kaizer Chiefs have promised their fans victory.

This game will be won in the midfield where Doctor Khumalo will oppose August Makalakalane as playmaker. In Makalakalane, Page Mahlangu and Roger Feutmba, Dumitru has a very strong midfield. But Chiefs can match Sundowns with a creative midfield that can even score goals. The problem for both sides will be their shaky defences. Chiefs will have to find someone to contain big Nigerian striker Raphael Chukwu, who is Sundowns lethal striker. the ame applies to Sundowns defence: Chiefs Mark Williams can rise to the occasion if on form.

Sundowns coach Ted Dumitru denied being the underdog and said his strategy will be to attack all the way. ”I have four or five players who can play at any position on the field and I usually give them the chance to play to their capabilities,” he said.