Midfielder Mamelodi Sundowns, club legend Temba Zwane, admitted that the memory of the loss to TS Galaxy last season still motivates the 'Brazilians' ahead of the upcoming Premier League Betway match on Tuesday.
The Galaxy team surprised Sundowns in the last match of last season, thereby depriving 'Brazilians' of hopes of winning their ninth consecutive league title. This result remains fresh in Sundowns players' memories, and Zwane confirmed that they are determined to respond when the teams meet again.
"Honestly, we have to beat them," stated Zwane. "Every time we play against them, they create difficulties for us, but we know it won't be easy, yet we must fight."
Sundowns will enter this match with increased confidence after reaching the semi-finals of the MTN8 tournament last weekend. Two new attacking players were also included in the squad: Antonio Van Wyk, who immediately made an impression with a goal and an assist, and Cassius Mailula, who returned to the club and scored the decisive goal in the cup match.
Zwane believes that both these players have already demonstrated why Sundowns decided to bring them back into the squad. He noted: "I think they are doing well, the guys welcomed them very warmly, we are happy to have them. They are quality players, and that is why they are here."
The return of Van Wyk and Mailula gives coach Cardoso additional attacking options as Sundowns prepares to balance domestic and continental commitments. However, Zwane acknowledged that the team had limited time for specific preparation against Galaxy.
Sundowns' preparation was complicated by the late returns of several Bafana Bafana national team players after participating in the World Cup, as well as the need to cope with the loss of midfielder Jayden Adams. Despite these challenges, Zwane reported that the players used the time in Mpumalanga to review the previous game against Galaxy and ensure readiness for the upcoming events.
"The preparation was obviously not extensive, but upon arriving here in Mpumalanga, we had to review the TS Galaxy game," he said. "We know exactly what to expect, especially the game we played here last time."
Thus, for Sundowns, the match on Wednesday means more than just three points; it is a chance to leave behind the painful final of last season and make an early statement in the new season.
