/ 23 September 2008

Sundowns sweat on Zuma

Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral won the psychological battle of the MTN 8 cup final coaches by calling his Mamelodi Sundowns counterpart Trott Moloto’s bluff at a pre-cup final press briefing in Durban.

The Premier Soccer League’s two most exciting teams go head to head at the Absa Stadium on Tuesday night for the richest domestic prize on the continent, a staggering R8-million winner-takes-all. Kick-off is at 8.15pm.

When asked how he was planning to beat Downs and how he would counter the most expensive squad that has ever been assembled in the PSL, the Turkey-born Ertugral responded by saying: ”Sundowns will play 3-5-2 with Benedict Vilakazi playing behind the two strikers. I am confident that is the formation Sundowns will adopt against us in the final.”

Moloto was more conservative, saying that he had done his homework and would not be divulging his game plan. But he did reveal his star striker Sibusiso Zuma suffered an injury at training and is a doubtful starter.

Said Moloto: ”We are working on Zuma. But he is still not 1000% fit.”

Both coaches did agree that the match will be a big crowd pleaser.

Said Ertugral: ”Sundowns have fantastic side that I believe will go far in Africa in the near future. It is going to be a great cup final.”

Said Moloto: ”One thing I can promises is that the fans will watch an entertaining cup final. Both teams play good attacking soccer and that is what they will see.”

Ertugral defended his decision to travel back to Johannesburg on Sunday after the final, scheduled for the same venue on Saturday night, was washed out and postponed until Tuesday.

Said Ertugral: ”I did not want my players in camp for five days. They booked much fresher at training this morning [Monday] and we are now ready and determined to beat Sundowns. We are more ready than ever for Sundowns.”

Moloto, who opted to stay in Durban and prepare, said: ”We looked at the alternatives and believe that we made the correct decision in opting to stay and train in Durban.”

When asked what will be the big difference on the night, Moloto replied: ”The team that is better prepared.”

Ertugral, whose goal-shy team have lost their last three games, half-jokingly said: ”It will be the team that scores who will win. ”

Ertugral is banking on his star Venezuelan striker, Jose Torrealba, to upset his old club. Torrealba returns to action after serving a two-match suspension.

Said Ertugral: ”Torrealba could be the match-winner for us. But Downs have a number of quality players.”

On the injury front Ertugral has doubts over midfielders Arthur Zwane and Tinashe Nengomasha, who are both in the treatment room.

The PSL are expecting a sell-out crowd in Durban now that the rain and cold weather has cleared up. The 1 000 or so tickets that were refunded on Monday were snapped up within hours of going back on sale. — Sapa