Big-spending Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to kick-start the second half of their Absa Premiership programme at the expense of Kaizer Chiefs, who they meet at the Johannesburg Stadium on Sunday (3.30pm).
However, the Brazilians could be minus two key players. Both captain Esrom Nyandoro and Derrick Spencer suffered family bereavements during the two-week holiday break. Zimbabwe international midfield powerhouse Nyandoro buried his brother on December 31 while former Amakhosi defender Spencer lost his mother last Saturday (January 3).
Said club spokesperson Mahlatse Mphahlele: ”It is very sad when two players suffer such sad losses during the same period. We will leave it up to the players if they are ready to play or not.”
But out of the mix is ”bad boy” Mbulelo Mabizela, who failed to return to training on December 29. Mabizela, a former Bafana Bafana captain, has a long history of poor discipline and his non- show could signal the end of his career.
But, stated Mphahlele: ”When Mabizela finally surfaces we will sit down with him, find out what the problem is as to why he did not arrive back at training. We will then be able to take a direction on the way forward and decide what to do.”
But Downs and new coach Henri Michel have far bigger things to worry about than the serial truant, Mabizela. Michel badly needs to get Downs back on to the winning trail. They are in ninth position after 14 matches with 19 points — seven behind leaders Ajax Cape Town, who have a match in hand.
Said Mphahlele: ”We are hoping for a change of fortune as regards our results in the New Year. Playing Chiefs is always special, not just for the players, but also the fans. Hopefully the match will live up to expectations.
”Chiefs are going to be a tough nut to crack, but we know a win would be the perfect platform to launch the second part of our season. Three points against Chiefs would be like gold and we believe that would help not just boost morale, but help us get back to our winning ways and put the disappointing first part of the season behind us.”
Michel has struggled to settle down since he replaced out-of-favour former Bafana coach Trott Moloto in November. Michel, a former French, Tunisian and Côte d’Ivoire national team coach, badly needs a big win over a top side after his charges were beaten 1-0 away to Ajax in their last match before the break, which saw the Frenchman storm off the pitch at the end of the game refusing to speak to television commentators — which prompted club president Patrice Motsepe to issue an apology.
Said Mphahlele: ”The coach has returned to camp full of commitment and ready for the challenges ahead. I think he has settled down now that he knows what is at stake and we are confident we have the right man to lead us to more success and trophies in the not so distant future.”
Tickets for Sunday’s showdown are available at all Computicket and Shoprite Checkers outlets. Tickets cost R30 for the grandstand, R20 for the open stands and R10 for kids.
Ajax will be hoping to keep up the pressure at the top of the table when they face unpredictable Thanda Royal Zulu at the Mpumalanga Stadium near Durban, also on Sunday. — Sapa