Marumo Gallants coach Dan Malesela has acknowledged that they have given Mamelodi Sundowns too much respect in the past and insists they go into the semi-final clash with no fear.
Gallants have been drawn against Masandawana in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final. The draw was conducted on Sunday after the conclusion of the quarter-final matches.
The two clubs will meet at the Dr Molemela Stadium in the Free State province on Sunday afternoon for a place in the final.
Gallants booked a place in the semi-finals after beating defending champions Stellenbosch FC 1-0 while Sundowns beat rivals Kaizer Chiefs 4-0.
“We met Sundowns very early in the season, and I must admit that we made a lot of mistakes in terms of setting up the team because you then give too much respect,” said Malesela.
“Sometimes, that same respect deters your progress. So now we know how to plan, and we will plan better. There is no disrespect.”
DAN MALESELA EXPLAINS WHY THEY HAVE NO FEAR OF FACING MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
“Fear is something else. When you are afraid, don’t go. Don’t even go to the match,” added Malesela. “I always tell players about fear and say fear has destroyed a lot of football careers because there are players who were very good.
“But once they fear, they can’t get rid of it, and nobody identifies the fear sometimes, and it kills your football. So if you go to a match and you have fear, you are finished. Don’t even bother going.”
MARUMO GALLANTS DELIGHTED TO HAVE GOTTEN A CARLING KNOCKOUT HOME DRAW
“Home games are always an advantage in Cup matches, you know. All these teams are in the league, and there is no way you can avoid them,” Malesela told the media.
“So when the draw is made, I don’t even try to pick and say this one or that one because we will meet these teams in the league anyway. It’s actually good that you meet teams like Sundowns in Cup matches so that you start looking at your team and see if you are making progress.”
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