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We do want revenge - Igesund
17/05/2007 16:55 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund says they want revenge when they meet Ajax Cape Town in the Absa Cup final in Durban on May 26.
"They've beaten us three times this season, so yes we do want revenge and we do want to win the Absa Cup,"the four-time league-winning coach said unwaveringly. His counterpart, Muhsin Ertugral, sat next to him grinning at Igesund's warning.
"We want to do the double and the boys don't need extra motivation for this clash," he said before adding, "They are definitely a confident team as they've had the better of us, but it's a challenge we look forward to."
The 2006/07 Premiership champions leave for Tunisia on Thursday night for a clash against EGS Gafsa in a CAF Confedarations Cup game. Sundowns then return to South Africa on Tuesday before flying off to Durban on Thursday.
"It will be tough travelling there and coming back, and we are well aware of the dangers of fatigue. However, we are professionals and can only become stronger (mentally) as we seek to become better," Igesund advised.
Etugral agreed with Igesund that the travelling is taxing but believes even though his team have more time to prepare for the final, they do not have an advantage.
Will be played at night
"I know Sundowns are well prepared to face us, they know what they want and how they will do it and despite them travelling so far, I don't think we have an advantage over them," he said.
Ajax play their final league game against relegation play-off candidate AmaZulu on Saturday at the Athlone Stadium. Ertugral said he won't risk key players for this match, but will put out a competitive side as he does not want Benoni Premier United (who are also a relegation play-off candidate) to cry foul.
"We have a good record against them and have to maintain it although I don't want to risk key players getting injured," he said and then added, "I don't want Benoni to think we are doing favours for AmaZulu also and we will play a good team against AmaZulu.
"The boys need to keep the momentum going and I can't rest all of my key players, we also have to think of being ready for the final.
Durban's Absa Stadium is the venue for this clash and in another unique move it will be played at night. Both coaches lauded the iniative by the PSL and the sponsors.
"It's a fantastic venue and we are looking forward to the occasion," Igesund said. "The humidity will affect both teams but this is part of the competition."
"It suits us fine and I think they made a good choice. It definitely is neutral and to play the game at night I think will be good for both teams," said Ertugral.
- SAPA
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