Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane has cautioned his team against complacency, insisting that Stellenbosch FC will be tough opponents face even without Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa.
Mthethwa, a key player for Stellies for three seasons, recently joined Kaizer Chiefs on a three-year deal.
However, Zwane doesn’t believe Mthethwa’s move to Soweto will affect Stellies as much as they have capable players.
Sundowns will host Stellies at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in a DStv Premiership clash on Wednesday evening (19:30).
On top of losing Mthethwa, Stellenbosch will be without the services of four of their best players.
Coach Steve Barker will likely play Sundowns without Iqraam Rayners. The talented striker sustained an injury in an MTN8 semi-final second-leg clash against Orlando Pirates on Sunday.
Rayners’ availability for the clash remains uncertain. Fawaaz Basadien and Dean van Rooyen are also ruled out of the Mamelodi Sundowns game, with Jayden Adams suspended after accumulating four yellow cards in the league.
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“It’s going to be difficult,” said Zwane. He believes Stellenbosh FC are wounded, coming off a defeat against Pirates in the MTN8. “It’s that game where Stellenbosch always looks to use their pace in front.
“They are going sit back and try and catch us on the counter. Obviously, as a team, we know what to do. [We want to] take care of the ball and try to manage the game very well, take our chances. They’ve Rayners up front. They use him a lot going forward, he has pace, technique, and he’s their main player now.”
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Themba Zwane added: “I don’t think (Stellenbosch will be weaker without Ox). If you check Coach Barker the way they do things, he always has someone similar to the player that’s left.
“I mean, he’s got a lot of players who are quick on the ball and aggressive on the ball. They are fast; it’s difficult to play against. I don’t think they will change much,” added Zwane. Sundowns look to make it eight wins in a row in the league.