Matchday 8 - preview
Mamelodi Sundowns v Thanda Royal Zulu FC
PRETORIA, November 15 (Absa Premier League) – Mamelodi Sundowns have been handed a major boost ahead of their Absa Premier League clash against Thanda Royal Zulu on Sunday following the news that new coach Henri Michel will be on the bench after receiving his work permit.
The Brazilians have blown hot and cold under Trott Moloto this season and a draw in their last game against Santos on Wednesday added to a 2-1 defeat at home to Bay United in the previous match has seen them slip to sixth on the table.
But the arrival of Frenchman Michel and his fitness trainer Florent Motta could well lift the Chloorkop outfit for the clash against eighth-placed Thanda.
Captain Esrom Nyandoro admits that the players are determined to give the new man a winning start to his career.
“We are happy their work permits has been sorted out and we are looking forward to working with them,” he said.
“The guys want to win and give him a good welcome to the club by winning convincingly.”
Media and communications manager Mahlatsi Mphahlele added: “Things haven’t been running smoothly for, but we’ll be there on Sunday to compete. And hopefully we will get the positive result that we want.”
Sibusiso Zuma, Manqoba Ngwenya and Mbulelo Mabizela are all out with long-term injuries.
The Amabhubesi on the other hand will only be without suspended defender Tonic Chabalala.
Despite their opponent’s recent struggles, coach Roger Palmgren believes they should not be taken lightly.
He said: “Obviously Sundowns are one of the best teams in the country, with undoubtedly the best players. I think they are the best team in the league even though they didn’t win the league last season.
“So on paper, it’s a very difficult game to play.”
The Swede watched our boys end a run of five games without victory when they saw off Bay 2-1 in midweek.
He revealed that they did nothing different against Watsh’Umlilo and he would prepare his team in the same way for the clash at the Super Stadium.
“We didn’t do anything different against Bay United, everything just worked out very well,” continued Palmgren.
“We don’t change anything in our preparations or have a different game-plan for Sundowns. It doesn’t matter who we play, the game will be played the same, the way we want to and trying to get everything together.”