Zuko Mdunyelwa says Mamelodi Sundowns are blocking out the noise of their upcoming CAF Champions League semi-final to focus on Tuesday’s massive clash with Durban City. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: BackpagePix
Defender Zuko Mdunyelwa has stressed Mamelodi Sundowns are fully focused on their Betway Premiership clash against Durban City on Tuesday (kick-off 7.30pm).
Sundowns are once again competing on both the local and continental fronts with the Masandawana gearing up for an away trip to Espérance of Tunisia for the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final on Sunday. But before the trip to North Africa, they have to tackle an in-form Durban City.
The clash — at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban — is crucial as Sundowns are currently top of the Premiership table, and although they are enjoying a nine-game unbeaten streak, they are still only two points ahead of rivals Orlando Pirates. Any slip up at this stage of the season could open the door for the Buccaneers to finally wrest away the league title from the perennial champions.
Mdunyelwa, who only recently returned from injury after being sidelined due to injury sustained on international duty, which prompted frosty relations between Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and Sundowns management, has therefore placed high importance on the tie.
“Even though we were coming from a lengthy break because of the Fifa break, we had a good start, and we applied ourselves (against Chippa United),” Mdunyelwa said. “We got the goals that we needed in the first half and we went into the second half with the lead which we wanted.
“We as players, we just want to take it one game at a time. So, our main focus now is Durban City. We haven't even touched the trip to Tunisia, so our main focus is Durban City.”
The Citizens are enjoying a dream season upon their return to the top-flight with the KwaZulu-Natal side in fifth position on the table. Equally, Durban City are in high spirits after progressing to the Nedbank Cup final this past weekend after their victory over Castric Stars in the first semi-final.
“In their Durban City camp, definitely the mood is very high because they are in the final,” the former Chippa United right back said.
“They know their strengths; they know their capabilities. For us, it is also very important to understand that it's an away game and we need the three points to keep going. We have the momentum; we just have to keep going.”
Sundowns, however, do have some injury concerns which could affect which playing XI coach Miguel Cardoso eventually fields.
"Unfortunately, Peter Shalulile is still injured and not yet ready to return. But that shows we still have quality players out,” Cardoso said, after the 4-1 victory over Chippa United last Friday.
“Thapelo Morena is not in the team; Monnapule Saleng is not in the team; Arthur Sales is not in the team. We had to take off Nuno Santos at half-time because he felt something, and I hope it is not serious.
“That is the impact we are suffering from due to the sequence of matches,” added the Portuguese tactician.