Sundowns coach Mokwena issues simple warning to Komphela

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena issues a simple warning to Moroka Swallows boss Steve Komphela that football is played on the pitch.

This comes as the current Sundowns mentor admitted that Komphela knows his players very well, but he argued that the game of football is always evolving ahead of the MTN8 clash.

ALSO READ I Themba Zwane not taking the Dube Birds lightly

Sundowns will welcome Swallows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon and Mokwena has shared his views on the eagerly anticipated match.

SUNDOWNS COACH MOKWENA ISSUES WARNING TO KOMPHELA

The two South African giants, Swallows and Sundowns will meet for the first time since Komphela left the reigning DStv Premiership champions during the off-season.

ALSO READ I Sundowns coach blasts analysts on overlooking Allende

Speaking to the media, Mokwena is somewhat wary of Swallows who will be difficult to break down in Tshwane as both sides look to reach the semi-finals.

“He knows us very well,” Mokwena said to the media.

“But football is played on the pitch. The game belongs to the players. At the end of the day, we have to do the best we can and impose ourselves, get the pictures out, and hopefully, we do that well and get the win at the end of the game.”

ALSO READ I Mokwena on why Chiefs keeper is his man of the match

SUNDOWNS COACH ON KOMPHELA-COACHED SWALLOWS STRENGTHS

With Mokwena’s troops in high spirits after beating Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the league in their midweek match, the 34-year-old tactician is aware that Masandawana could be an open book to the Dube Birds.

Looking at the Dube Birds, they are yet to taste glory in the new season after registering one draw and a defeat in the league, but Mokwena expects a tough encounter.

ALSO READ I Disgruntled Kaizer Chiefs fans lament coach Ntseki’s tactics

He added that Swallows will be a tough nut to crack as they are coached by one of the brightest minds in Mzansi football, Komphela.

“It’s going to be a difficult game. They are a strong team with good players, and we have to make sure we are well prepared for what will be a difficult encounter,” Mokwena reacted.

“I watched them against Arrows, an interesting game, (they had) flexible organisational forms. Also (against) Cape Town City, they made changes, but they were very aggressive with their fullbacks and some interesting pictures that we saw.

ALSO READ I Ntseki pinpoints exact reason for Kaizer Chiefs defeat to Downs

“It’s going to be difficult to break them down and to get the result.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY PHUMZILE NGCATSHE