Downs’ treble on the line as Gallants eye double

MAMELODI Sundowns and Marumo Gallants are worlds apart on paper and in reality. Tonight they line up at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace eyeing the same prize: the Nedbank Cup crown.

It is for such reasons that the country’s premier club knockout competition is themed as the ‘David v Goliath clash’ because even the so-called small clubs like Gallants get to fancy their chances against the mighty Sundowns.

When Gallants’ previous bosses sold the status of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila after winning the Nedbank Cup last season, Sundowns were already plotting their next raid in the transfer market for the new term. Coincidentally Gallants won the trophy last season as TTM, having beaten Sundowns in the semi-final.

A lot has happened since then. Sundowns are eyeing a domestic treble this season after winning the MTN8 earlier this season before wrapping up their fifth successive championship – and a record 12th overall. The Nedbank Cup is potentially their 15th silverware in less than a decade.

However if Sundowns underestimate the side coached by Dan “Dance” Malesela it would be reckless. Even their co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi knows this much.

“This is probably one of the most difficult matches that you ever play as a coach,” Mngqithi said in the Nedbank Cup press briefing this week.

“I was telling the players that the most important thing about the game we’re playing against Marumo is to have the highest level of respect for the game and for the opponents.”

Mngqithi respects Galaxy and Malesela “because they play a very stylish brand of football and some of their players can play for Sundowns”. But who wouldn’t respect Malesela given his history in the competition?

After winning the Nedbank Cup as a player with Orlando Pirates, Malesela became the first coach to win the competition with a second tier side, TS Galaxy, when they beat Kaizer Chiefs.

While there’s vast difference in lineage and financial muscle between the teams, both outfits possess a similar style of play. They are ball playing teams, which means that the match will likely be won in the engine room.

Sundowns are led by Andile Jali, who’s been nominated for five awards this season. Jali is a player full of aggression on and off the ball.

He allows Siphelele Mkhulise and Lebogang Maboe to add numbers up front, and forms a defensive trio with the centre-backs when wingbacks Aubrey Modiba and Thapelo Morena move up.

Perhaps Sundowns’ engine room will finally get competition from the much talked about Gallants trio: Miguel Timm, Celimpilo Ngema and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.

Not only would the trio be aiming to win their second Nedbank Cup crown in a row, they’ll be eager to treat this match as an audition after Mngqithi’s sentiments that they might be good enough for Sundowns.

When it comes to their offensive personnel, Sundowns are far by a country mile. They have Peter Shalulile who scored 28 goals this season, including 23 in the league. That’s why Gallants have to be solid defensively.