Mamelodi Sundowns hope to register their first win under new coach Angel Cappa against Ajax Cape Town at Loftus Stadium on Saturday night, despite being without two trusted players.
The Brazilians’ marketing and communications manager, Alax Shakoane, identified the duo as attacking midfielder Clement Mazibuko and defender Neil Winstanley.
The hard-running Mazibuko has been sidelined by a hamstring, while Winstanley is nursing an Achilles tendon injury.
”We have a big pool of players who will do the job for us on Saturday. Ajax are in serious trouble,” warned Shakoane.
”The 2-1 defeat by Supersport United last weekend is now water under the bridge. We played well in that game but were unlucky not to get more goals.
”The coach and his technical staff perfected our finishing, and our supporters will be smiling after the match. Ajax won’t even get a single point,” added Shakoane.
Sundowns are still to win a match under Cappa, who replaced Paul Dolezar in December. His first match was against Supersport.
Ajax started the new year with a 1-all draw against Black Leopards during their Castle Premiership match in Cape Town last weekend.
They also played an international friendly on Wednesday night against ”big brothers” Ajax Amsterdam from The Netherlands, where they were given a 3-0 drubbing.
Ajax Cape Town coach Gordon Igesund is confident that they will pocket the three points against Sundowns in order to remain in the race for the Premiership title.
Sundowns are in danger of losing their third spot on the log should they lose to the Urban Warriors, who will be representing South Africa during the African Champions League later this month.
The other South African club to play in the Champions League are Kaizer Chiefs, winners of the Mandela Cup in 2000. — Sapa