Mamelodi Sundowns remain the team to beat in South African football, showcasing their dominance last week by defeating Kaizer Chiefs in front of a packed stadium. In a Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final clash, Sundowns triumphed with a stunning 4-0 victory, securing their place in the semi-finals where they will face Marumo Gallants.
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| Ranga Chivaviro and Marcelo Allende, Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns |
The comprehensive win over Chiefs reaffirmed Sundowns' status as favorites in the tournament. However, Marumo Gallants head coach Dan "Dance" Malesela has welcomed the semi-final draw with determination, expressing readiness to challenge the reigning giants of South African football.
“Facing Sundowns, it all depends on how you plan on the day. We are not Kaizer Chiefs; we are Marumo Gallants. Just because they beat Chiefs doesn’t mean they will beat us,” said Malesela confidently. “Yes, it’s a tough one, but we were all bound to play them in the league anyway. You cannot avoid these things, and you cannot pick and choose who you want to play against.”
Malesela highlighted the importance of mental preparedness, acknowledging Sundowns' strength but also emphasizing his belief that they are beatable. "It’s about how the players handle themselves on the day. One of the biggest challenges in this type of game is to remove fear from your players and let them know that Sundowns is beatable," he added.
The semi-final clash promises an exciting encounter, with Gallants looking to capitalize on their underdog status on the
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