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Sparks to fly in derby
21/04/2008 10:29 - (SA)
Johannesburg - SuperSport United are aiming at taking a step closer to winning their first Premier Soccer league title when they meet city rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in a Pretoria Absa Premiership derby at Atteridgville's Super Stadium on Tuesday night 19:30.
There is no love lost between the sides. Pride will be a major motivating factor especially for Downs who have surrendered their league title and now fighting to qualify for the top eight.
United coach Gavin Hunt has done a tremendous job with his side this season. They head the table with 47 points, three better than second placed Ajax Cape Town. The Brazilians are ninth on 35 points. But he knows that his side cannot afford to slip up in the run-in.
But Hunt is a realist. He said: "There are still five matches (including Downs) to play and anything can happen. We have not won anything yet."
He admits Sundowns have improved recently but adds: "They still have the same squad but basically they have nothing to lose now (that they are out of the running for the league) and are playing with a lot more freedom. This is going to be a difficult 90 minutes."
Hunt is still without his injured captain and defensive kingpin Ricardo Katza, midfielder Shane Poggenpoel, Letladi Madbanya while Ethiopian striker Fikru Teferra is suspended.
Striking partners
Said Hunt: "I am missing the spine of my side with those four missing."
A lot will centre on the goal scoring form of 17-year-old teenage prospect Kermit Erasmus, his striking partners Katlego Mphela and Katlego Mashego.
Added Hunt: "But is in vital we get something out of this match. I will settle for a point, but defeat is not an option with a tough run-in ahead."
United play another title chasing side Santos next in Cape Town, then face Moroka Swallows and Golden Arrows at home before ending their campaign away to troubled Bloemfontein Celtic.
Downs who battled to a 2-0 win over FC Cape Town after extra time to reach the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup at the weekend, need to win not just to restore morale and stay in the hunt for a top eight position but to regain some of their shattered lost pride.
After sacking top coach Gordon Igesund, caretaker coach Trott Moloto has guided Downs into calmer waters but with the talent Downs boast they should be doing a lot better.
Said spokesperson Mahlatse Mphalele: "These derbies are always special. It will be tough. We need the points to keep in chase for the top eight while United need to win to move further ahead at the top of the league. That means fans are in for a special treat. "
Lucrative
The match was brought forward due to Downs travelling to the Sudan on Thursday where they play local champions Al Hilal in a second round, first leg African Champions League clash on Saturday.
Mphalele said that his players were made to fight for their place in the semi-finals of the lucrative Nedbank Cup which carries R6m in prize money for the winner.
Said Mphalele: "We did not underestimate FC Cape Town. I believe it will not be long before they are playing in the PSL. We have also prepared hard for United and we are hoping to have Benson Mhlongo back to boost the squad."
The Bafana Bafana defender did not travel to Cape Town for Saturday night's clash due to a niggling injury.
However, Moloto will be hoping to have the tough-as-teak Mhlongo available for selection in this vital no holds barred Pretoria derby.
But after their energy sapping 120 minutes in the cup and the prospect of their derby against United followed by a tough trip to Sudan, Downs will know they have been in the wars come Sunday when they get ready to return home from a hot and steamy Sudan.
- SAPA
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