Micho wary of wounded Sundowns
The Pirates mentor has warned his players not to underestimate Sundowns.
Milutin Sredojevic, coach of Orlando Pirates (Gavin Barker/BackpagePix)
Orlando Pirates coach Micho Sredojovic says Mamelodi Sundowns’ last three results are not a true reflection of what the Pretoria outfit is really capable of ahead of their Absa Premiership clash at the Orlando Stadium tonight.
Downs last won a league match early in October with a 1-0 victory over Platinum Stars.
Sundowns have since dropped six points in their last two league games, losing 2-1 to both Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu FC before being booted out of the first round of the Telkom Knockout Cup in a 1-0 loss to Chippa United last weekend.
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With Micho well aware of the talent and ability in the Downs squad, the Bucs mentor warned his players not to underestimate Downs and his players must head into the game with the intention to add more salt to the wounds of the current African champions.
“We need to respect the fact that three previous Sundowns matches are not a pure reflection of individual and team quality they have. So, in football some days are yours, some days are not.
The three games weren’t for them, meaning they are now a wounded lion. They will be looking to bounce back,” said the Bucs coach.
“The moment we think that they have lost three games it will be very dangerous. They are wounded and we need to focus on ourselves and rub more salt in their wounds.”
The Serb said this game would be a true test for his players as he is busy rebuilding the team and steering the Bucs ship in the right direction. Micho, however, is confident that his players will come out tops against Downs.
“I would say it is a game that will test our character and measure our value and we shall see what will come on Wednesday. I have absolute trust, confidence and belief in the players we have.”
Pirates have 14 points in the league after nine games, while Downs have nine points after six games.
In today’s other matches, defending champions Bidvest Wits host Chippa United at Bidvest Stadium, Cape Town City take on Free State Stars at Athlone Stadium, Ajax Cape Town travel to Royal Bafokeng Stadium to take on Platinum Stars and AmaZulu host Baroka at King Zwelithini Stadium.
