Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Takes Aim at Referees and Physicality of Orlando Pirates

• Mamelodi Sundowns boss took a shot at his opponent’s aggression and treatment of referees
• Rhulani Mokwena gave an injury update on several players pushing for a place on the team sheet
• Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will be contesting the first cup final of the season

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has begun the mind games in the days leading up to the MTN8 final.

Mokwena gave an update on the key names that he will have at his disposal on Saturday. He also bemoaned the physicality of Orlando Pirates and sent a warning to referees.

Pirates go into Saturday's final as the defending MTN8 champions. Sundowns will aim to extend their unbeaten run and erase the memory of last year’s 3-0 MTN 8 semi-final drubbing at the hands of Pirates.

On the treatment table is Sipho Mbule, who is out with an ankle injury. Thapelo Morena’s condition is undisclosed but is a confirmed omission, while Bathusi Aubaas is still recovering from a groin strain.

Mamelodi Sundowns Head Coach Rulani Mokwena Reveals Secret to Stopping Orlando Pirates

Football

Thapelo Maseko and Lucas Riberio are the injury wildcards, as Mokwena has been coy on whether they will feature, saying he will leave that to the last minute.

Although Sundowns will be the favourites to lift the trophy, Sowetan Live reported on Mokwena’s comments regarding his opponents:

"We know and understand the magnitude of the assignment. Hopefully, it's a very good game of football without the harassment of referees, without the physicality with tackles that are over the top,''

Mokwena ended by shifting focus away from the Buccaneers and back to what he and his staff were able to control, as stated by Sunday World:

“We have to manage the situation as it is and I’m focused mainly on what is on the training pitch and what is available, it doesn’t help to focus on players not available,”

Sundowns' potential records in 2023/2024 season

Mamelodi Sundowns Equal Kaizer Chiefs’ PSL Record Against Orlando Pirates

Football

Sports Brief recently reported on the records Sundowns can potentially break in the coming DSTV Premiership season.

Sundowns defeated Stellenbosch FC last week to equal Kaizer Chiefs’ record of winning the first eight games of the season.

No South African side has gone a whole season in the league without defeat, but The Brazilians have already gone eight games without losing.