Silver Stars CEO Larry Brookstone called it ”the other final”. Mamelodi Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund saw it as ”a psychological boost that could decide the premier league title”.
Clearly, Wednesday night’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) game between log leaders and newly crowned Telkom Knockout champions Silver Stars and PSL champions Sundowns at the Super Stadium is of some considerable significance.
A win or draw will ensure that Stars remain at the top of the log over the Christmas break. A victory for Sundowns, however, will result in the defending champions vaulting over their opponents to the top of the table.
”It’s like another final for us in the space of five days after beating Ajax Cape Town in the Telkom Knockout Final,” says Brookstone, ”and obviously winning the tournament with a record R4,25-million prize is a highly emotional experience for the players and a club of our resources generally.
”So,” added the Stars CEO, ”we have to guard against a reaction apart from anything else. But discipline, effort and not allowing success to go to the players’ heads have been key factors in our success this season — and I’m confident we will be up to this latest challenge.”
Igesund said he was delighted by his team’s form in the recent 5-2 drubbing of Benoni United — and he hoped this game would be the turning point in fulfilling Sundowns’ potential.
”My problem right now is deciding whether to settle for an unchanged line-up or go for the odd change,” said Igesund, ‘with David Kannemeyer and one or two others coming back into contention after injury.”
Igesund said Sundowns would also be ”totally supportive” of former Bafana Bafana captain Mbulelo ”Old John” Mabizela, who was last week found guilty by the South African Football Association (Safa) of taking a banned substance, suspended for six months and fined R70 000.
”Mabizela will appear before a club disciplinary hearing as well,” said the Sundowns’ coach, ”and we will administer whatever action is deemed necessary — taking into account the punishment he will suffer as a result of Safa’s sentence.
But Igesund said it was important to take into account that Mabizela had not been found guilty of administering a performing-enhancing substance — ”which is something most people would consider far more serious.
”He’s made some mistakes that have stunted his career so far,” said Igesund, ”but he is an immensely gifted footballer — and it will be our job to bring his talent to the fore, not to suffocate or destroy it.” — Sapa