The Premier Soccer League’s chaotically-arranged first round of the Telkom Knockout competition will be launched on Wednesday night when Mamelodi Sundowns will attempt to repair their dented image against Golden Arrows at Loftus.
With the defeat against TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday eliminating the Brazilians from contention for a final place in Caf’s Confederation Cup, the Premier League champions will be playing to restore pride as well as survival in the tournament that boasts a record R4,25-million prize.
And, with these twin objectives a matter of some urgency, Sundowns will give injured players Surprise Moriri and Brent Carelse, who were unavailable for the club’s Confederation Cup death knell in the DRC, late fitness tests only hours before the Arrows’ clash.
”What with the extended programme of games involved in annexing the SAA Supa8 trophy and the gruelling programme of fixtures in two Caf competitions,” said Sundowns CEO Afzal Khan, ”our squad has been severely tested, while also plagued by a spate of untimely injuries. That’s why we are making every effort to have Moriri and Carelse declared fit to play Arrows,” added Khan.
He said there was no prospect of playing Ezrom Nyandoro, who cracked his ribs in a recent game against Wits University.
And the challenge of attrition confronting Sundowns is emphasised by the fact that their squad only returned from the DRC on Monday night after being ”on the move” for the best part of five days.
”We simply can’t ignore the relevance of featuring in Caf competitions and trying to put South African clubs on the map in Africa,” said Khan, ”but there is no doubt it is a taxing exercise for the players as they chase success in local competitions at the same time.
And Arrows, fresh from upstaging Orlando Pirates over the weekend, are a skillful, articulate combination who cannot be taken lightly — particularly by a side whose glowing reputation as the PSL’s top team must have been affected by the events of the past week. – Sapa