Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bathusi Aubaas has outlined what makes Polokwane City FC a difficult opponent to face.
In the 2024/25 campaign, Sundowns and Polokwane City have already met twice. The first meeting was in the MTN8 quarter-finals in August, and Sundowns claimed a 1-0 victory, winning in the extra-time following an own goal by Thabang Matuludi.
Another tie was in the Betway Premiership and Polokwane City were 1-0 winners. During the entire 90 minutes, the Tshwane giants failed to register a single shot on target. Bulelani Nikani scored the only goal of the match.
On Wednesday, the two sides will once again meet in the league at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30PM.
Heading into the encounter, Masandawana are motivated after hammering rivals Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 on Saturday in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals. Rise and Shine, on the other hand, were not in action.
BATHUSI AUBAAS SAYS PLK CITY PLAY LONG BALLS, AND THEY HAVE A BIG STRIKER IN HLAYISI CHAUKE
Aubaas says Polokwane City’s style of play – long balls makes them a difficult opponent, and Chauke is a striker with a great physique.
“They always get the balls to the box against any team in this league. I think they have a physique striker [Chauke]. He always bulldozes the defenders; we will deal with that,” said Aubaas.
“We also have to deal with second balls because they are a team that plays long balls. In their last five games, they have lost one, drew one and won three games.
“They are a big threat, and they are number three on the log. They are motivated to play against us. At Mamelodi Sundowns, we want to win every game. We’re looking to win the match, we don’t revenge.”
Aubaas further urged his Sundowns teammates to do what they worked on during training to get their desired results.
“Going to Polokwane City on Wednesday, we have to apply what the coach [ Phuti Mohafe] wants. We have to focus on ourselves, obviously we didn’t play well against well in Polokwane. We didn’t even have a shot on target.
“We’re better. I think we’re going to do better this time around. I think everyone is ready to face Polokwane City. We didn’t win a game there, we lost, we need to apply whatever we do at training,” he added.
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