Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi is leaving no stone unturned ahead of the Carling Knockout final against Magesi.
With the top-flight rookies in their first domestic cup final, the reigning league champions are overwhelming favourites for the clash at the Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
In terms of preparing his side mentally, the Sundowns coach admits he’s overanalysed Clinton Larsen squad as it could be a potential banana skin, cognizant of their recent performances against Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
“The Magesi team, because I respect every opponent and I’m always scared of the opponents who are not favoured, I’m scared of those, they always pull surprises so aI tend to dig as deep as I can and look at each and every individual,” he said.
“I know there team probably more than I know my team at times, as it is now I can tell you their starting XI and potential substitutes, everything they can play in this match, I know how difficult it’s going to be dealing with Makhubu up front.
“I know Deolin Mekoa, he will be causing lots of problems with his left foot, Darpoh is big problem in midfield breaking down most attacks, Mashigo on the right, who runs for every ball and is instrumental in assisting defensively.
“Abrahams at right back is the most influential and underrated players in the PSL. I saw him when he played with TUKS against us, as an offensive player but now as a right-back. Charimbandare is very lazy on the left, but dangerous offensively.
“When he comes out he’s important offensively, I think he reserves the energy for that because he’s influential offensively. Back four? Mokone on the left side, the other Mokone as the right centre-back.
“Chipezeze is a good goalkeeper, works hard, we know what to expect… we just have to be focused and keep our levels of motivation at the right level because games like these are difficult, if you win it, by the way… if you lose it, you are in the news, it’s a tough game, I don’t want to lie to you.”
The two sides meet in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon at 18h00, with the winner set to face the Carling All-Stars on 21 December at Orlando Stadium.
