”I have to do what is right for the club, our supporters and Sundowns as a brand, but at the same time I’m not going to risk any of our key players for this game.”
That’s the view held by Mamelodi Sundowns’ five-time league-winning coach Gordon Igesund of his team’s purposeless clash against Jomo Cosmos on Wednesday night at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Cosmos, on the other hand, have to win to secure a spot in the Supa8. The 2006/07 Castle Premiership champions just have to show up to get their trophy.
”Of course we are taking this game seriously. I have players who want to play and others who cannot as they are injured,” Igesund stressed, adding: ”But we will be competitive as we have a responsibility towards our fans, the club and the brand that Sundowns is, to put in a good showing.”
Among his list of casualties is midfield anchor Esron Nyandoro, influential playmaker Godfrey Sapula and defender Vuyo Mere.
”I’m not going to play a guy like Godfrey who is carrying a slight knock, I can’t risk the fitness of certain players as I want them to play in the Confederations Cup as well as the Absa Cup final.”
The five-time league champs face EGS Gafsa on Saturday in Tunisia, and a week later they play Ajax Cape Town in the Absa Cup final. Igesund is clearly focused on the Absa Cup, referring to Manchester United’s recent loss to West Ham where Sir Alex Ferguson rested several key players in preparation for the FA Cup final.
”Alex Ferguson was criticised for not playing his regulars in preparation for the FA Cup final, and his team lost. I’m not saying we are going to lose, but I won’t risk my players too, as the Absa Cup is very important to us, just as the FA Cup is clearly more important to Ferguson.”
Cosmos are seventh on the log, and three points will secure a place for them in the top-eight half of the table. Igesund is fully aware of their intentions as well as the hazard his players face.
”I expect Cosmos to come hard at us as they need the points, but I’m not concerned about what they want. What I want is for the team to put in a winning performance as I don’t think they’re concerned about our Confederations Cup trip or our Absa Cup final, just as we are not concerned about their log position.
”Our players can get injured in this game and that is why Esrom and Godfrey, who are already carrying injuries, will not be playing.”
He added: ”We are focused as to what we want to do and want to end this season off on a good note.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 8.30pm on Wednesday night. — Sapa