Menzi Magubane
Mamelodi Sundowns have received a massive boost as their influential midfielder Themba “Mshishi” Zwane returns from a hamstring injury ahead of the Al Ahly encounter on Saturday.
Zwane was a missing link for Downs in their 2-0 defeat in Egypt last Saturday in the CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has admitted that it’s going to be tough but with Zwane on the field, Pitso Mosimane and his Al Ahly will face a completely different Sundowns team.
“The report that we got from the doctors is that Zwane is looking good. He trained with us yesterday and he felt no pain. Also, he’s been training all along to keep fit. So, we are more than optimistic that he will help us on Saturday,” said Mngqithi via virtual press conference on Thursday morning.
Sundowns had a good outing in Cairo last week and dominated the match unfortunately they could not mesh that with goals.
“It’s going to be a tall order I admit. But if there is any team in the country that can overturn a 2-0 deficit at home it is Sundowns. I told my players that they can do it.”
“With Zwane back, I believe his role will be immense in the team on Saturday. He was our missing link last week and this time we will be different because of him.”
Mngqithi admitted that things could have been different if they kept it clean at the back and took their chances.
Sundowns defender Musa Lebusa also quoted his coach, he said: “We made it hard for ourselves last week. We needed to defend well and score because we had chances. We can only blame ourselves for that defeat.”
“But this time around it will be a different ball game. Coach’s words that the team that can overturn the 2-0 deficit is us has motivated us. We need to push ourselves and get that required result on Saturday,” said Lebusa.
The match will be held at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane at 3pm. The winner will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for 18-19 June .
Picture source:@mshishi
