Following the narrow 0 – 1 defeat at the hands Stellies in the 1st leg encounter at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville Pretoria on Wednesday evening, Mamelodi Sundowns fans were baying for Manqoba’s blood. Many were not convinced by his tactics in his second match since taking over from Rhulani Mokwena who parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of last season.
Mamelodi Sundowns struggled against a disciplined Stellies side led by coach Steve Barker. Stellenbosch are going into the 2nd leg with a goal advantage knowing that a draw is good enough to progress to the MTN8 final 2024 where Orlando Pirates awaits them. Stellenbosch has been enjoying a good run in front of goal and are coming from an 8-0 aggregate win against Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini in the CAF Confederation Cup.
We have a great match on our hands at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban with the match starting at 3pm this afternoon. Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to start with talisman Themba “Mshishi” Zwane who came on from the bench in the 1st leg much to the surprise of many. Coach Manqoba seems to be a man who wants to prove he can have his own football philosophy different from the possession-based football and building from the back of Rhulani Mokwena it remains to be seen if he has the pedigree to handle the pressure that comes with being on the hot seat at Masandawana.
Clive Barker has a team doing the basics right and defending on a low block, which Mamelodi Sundowns struggled to break in the 1st leg, it remains to be seen if they can break it this time around. Mamelodi Sundowns will look to utilize their huge pool of talent and ring some changes to get a positive result, to ensure a rematch of the 2023/2024 MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates. Stellies are looking to cause an upset and new signing Ashley Cupido will be looking to get some minutes.
Match Prediction:
Draw and both teams to score
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