Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has identified four Magesi FC players who could pose a danger for his side when the two teams face off in the Carling Knockout Cup final.
Dikwena tša Meetse and Masandawana will battle it out at the Free State Stadium on Saturday, 21 November, at 6PM in Bloemfontein.
While he has won multiple trophies with the club as an assistant coach and co-coach, Mngqithi will be aiming for his first as the Brazilians’ sole head coach following the departure of Rulani Mokwena.
For Magesi FC, who were promoted to the top-flight last season after winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship, this will be their first cup final in the PSL.
Clinton Larsen’s side eliminated the mighty Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay FC to reach the final.
Mngqithi acknowledged the threat of the secret weapon utilised by the Limpopo side with their solid low block, designed to frustrate opponents and capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities.
WHO ARE FOUR MAGESI PLAYERS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SHOULD NEUTRALISE
Sundowns gaffer has warned his side to remain vigilant, even when in possession, against Magesi’s quartet of speedy attackers: Wonderboy Makhubu, Edmore Chirambandare, Deolin Mekoa, and Tshepo Kakore.
Mngqithi believes the aforementioned players always look to exploit defensive gaps with their pace and direct attacking movements.
“We know our rest defence has to be on point, we know our counter-pressures should be on point,” said Manqoba Mngqithi.
“And we know our transition threats that we must always be worried about.
“Every time we’re in possession, we must always know where [Edmore] Chirambandare is, where [Wonderboy] Makhubu is.
“Because those players are very important in transition. And Deolin Mekoa, sometimes playing in a double-pivot scenario, but he’s often found in offensive positions and he creates a lot of problems. [Tshepo] Kakore also adds to that offensive threat.”
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