Crowd intimidation in Cairo will not deter Mamelodi Sundowns from their plan to take some points off Zamalek when the two sides meet in an African Champions League clash tomorrow.
Supporters in the North African countries are renowned for their over-zealous passion for the game and making visiting teams uncomfortable when they come to town. Missiles‚ lasers and unsavoury comments are the norm‚ especially from the fans of big teams like Egyptian giants Zamalek.
Downs‚ who left South Africa on Wednesday night for Cairo where they will face the five-time continental champions at the Petro Sport Stadium‚ know what to expect and they are ready for any hostility that may come their way.
“It’s going to be a tough game‚ we all know that‚” Downs’ midfielder Asavela Mbekile said.
“It was quite scary when it (crowd hostility) happened in Algeria (against ES Setif)‚ but we are professionals‚ we have to do the job. We will soldier on ... I’m Xhosa‚ so I’m not really scared of anything.”
Coach Pitso Mosimane had a frank talk with his charges even before they left SA and warned them about the expected intimidation.
The coach made it clear that whatever form of hostility they come across cannot be used as an excuse should his side perform poorly tomorrow.
“All I’m saying is that we have had our good tests not to have excuses to say ‘it was hostile’ – no‚ we have learnt our lessons now,’’ Mosimane said.
Cofimvaba-born Mbekile added: “It’s always great when there are supporters in the stands. Every player wants to play when the stadium is full. I don’t think it is going to be a problem. We are just going to go there and make sure we get the points that we want.”
Rather than obsess over what is likely to happen off the field‚ Sundowns have placed greater emphasis on what to expect on the field from Zamalek.
The side feels that after playing as well as they did against Setif in Algeria‚ they should be able to take the fight to the Egyptians and target maximum points‚ or at least a draw.
“We just want to go out there and get something out of it. If we get three points‚ that would be good for us because then we would be a step closer to the semifinals‚” Mbekile said.
“They play similarly to Se-tif‚ they keep things simple‚ they are dangerous in set-pieces. We just need to make sure we don’t create set-pieces or corner kicks.”
Mosimane agreed that set-pieces will be a crucial part of the game.
“They have a local coach now‚ but the tactics are the same,” the coach said.
“They are typical North Africans‚ they are physical like Setif. We will need to avoid set-pieces. They are big boys and they have a proper technique in the way they deliver the ball. We have got to be on top of our game and stop making silly mistakes.” — Tiso Black Star Group Digital
Downs ready for Zamalek
Supporters in the North African countries are renowned for their over-zealous passion for the game and making visiting teams uncomfortable when they come to town. Missiles‚ lasers and unsavoury comments are the norm‚ especially from the fans of big teams like Egyptian giants Zamalek.
Downs‚ who left South Africa on Wednesday night for Cairo where they will face the five-time continental champions at the Petro Sport Stadium‚ know what to expect and they are ready for any hostility that may come their way.
“It’s going to be a tough game‚ we all know that‚” Downs’ midfielder Asavela Mbekile said.
“It was quite scary when it (crowd hostility) happened in Algeria (against ES Setif)‚ but we are professionals‚ we have to do the job. We will soldier on ... I’m Xhosa‚ so I’m not really scared of anything.”
Coach Pitso Mosimane had a frank talk with his charges even before they left SA and warned them about the expected intimidation.
The coach made it clear that whatever form of hostility they come across cannot be used as an excuse should his side perform poorly tomorrow.
“All I’m saying is that we have had our good tests not to have excuses to say ‘it was hostile’ – no‚ we have learnt our lessons now,’’ Mosimane said.
Cofimvaba-born Mbekile added: “It’s always great when there are supporters in the stands. Every player wants to play when the stadium is full. I don’t think it is going to be a problem. We are just going to go there and make sure we get the points that we want.”
Rather than obsess over what is likely to happen off the field‚ Sundowns have placed greater emphasis on what to expect on the field from Zamalek.
The side feels that after playing as well as they did against Setif in Algeria‚ they should be able to take the fight to the Egyptians and target maximum points‚ or at least a draw.
“We just want to go out there and get something out of it. If we get three points‚ that would be good for us because then we would be a step closer to the semifinals‚” Mbekile said.
“They play similarly to Se-tif‚ they keep things simple‚ they are dangerous in set-pieces. We just need to make sure we don’t create set-pieces or corner kicks.”
Mosimane agreed that set-pieces will be a crucial part of the game.
“They have a local coach now‚ but the tactics are the same,” the coach said.
“They are typical North Africans‚ they are physical like Setif. We will need to avoid set-pieces. They are big boys and they have a proper technique in the way they deliver the ball. We have got to be on top of our game and stop making silly mistakes.” — Tiso Black Star Group Digital
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos