|
Brazilians mean business
31/07/2005 21:32 - (SA)
Vincent Mashego, Daily Sun
Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns are ready to challenge all the
competitors in the PSL this season.
Former CEO Peter Manda, who is now a member of the board of directors,
said this after Sundowns got off to a grand start by beating Bloemfontein Celtic 6-5 on a sudden
death to lift the Charity Cup for the second successive season at the FNB Stadium on
Saturday.
The match had finished 1-1 at the end of regulation time, but goalkeeper Andre Arendse
became the hero when he stopped a penalty from his opposition, Omony Postnett, during
sudden death.
But the failed effort by the Celtic keeper was a sad twist for the Ugandan, who had performed
heroically during the match. He pulled off breathtaking saves that deservedly earned him the
Man of the Match title.
The game was by no means a great spectacle. Sundowns paraded depth in abundance as they
fielded an almost different team from the one that beat Black Leopards 1-0 in the semi-final.
Brazilians one of early favourites
It is this depth that makes the Brazilians one of the early favourites to win the championship
this season. But last season, Sundowns got off to the same promising start when they beat
Kaizer Chiefs in the same competition, failing to carry through the winning streak.
A series of indifferent results ended in coach Paul Dolezar being shown the door. His
successor, Angel Cappa, slowly built the confidence of the team, and they ended the season a
much-improved team.
Cappa said the trip to South Korea for the Peace Cup was invaluable, and the lessons learnt
could come in handy. "The boys are ready for the challenge.
"We have a strong squad which can do the business, and there is no need to go into the transfer market again," Cappa said.
Recent signings of an Argentinian, a Venezuelan and a couple of local players, seem to be
good buys.
Oscar Ntwagae's goal saw off Leopards in the semi-final. The South Americans did not disappoint, and their spot kicks were particularly impressive in the shootout. The return of
Clement Mazibuko has added muscle to the midfield, and the goalkeeping berth is more than
safe with three top-notch keepers.
"The Charity Cup has presented me with a chance to play two squads, and I had a chance to
have a look at everyone and try out different combinations for the new season," Cappa said.
Surprise Moriri scored Sundowns' goal from a free kick, while Moses Spandeel scored from the
penalty spot for the fulltime score of 1-1 before Sundowns won on penalties.
|
