Sundowns’ Maboe pays tribute to Gallants’ African achievements

Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Lebohang Maboe has showered Marumo Gallants with praise for also keeping the South African flag flying high on the continent.

Sundowns and Gallants will meet on Saturday in the DStv Premiership at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, with both sides having made the semifinals of a Confederation of African Football tournament.

While Sundowns have been participating at the highest level in Africa for years, and have reached the Caf Champions League semifinal, it is safe to say that Gallants have taken everyone by surprise in making it all the way to the last four of the Caf Confederation Cup.

“Let me …. take this opportunity to wish Gallants all the best in their Confederation Cup semifinal,” said a gracious Maboe this week. Gallants will play Tanzania’s Young Africans in their semifinal while Sundowns will take on Wydad Casablanca.

“Gallants have been doing well in the Confederation Cup and in the league, they are a very good team, not to be taken lightly, but we just drew and we want to redeem ourselves,” added Maboe, in reference to today’s game.

Sundowns have long-since wrapped up the Premiership title for the sixth season in a row, but have not been at their best domestically ever since, an endorsement for the theory that psychologically it is hard to stay motivated once a league has been won, however hard you try.

The 2-2 midweek draw with AmaZulu was Masandawana’s fourth in their last five league games, in a run that also saw them knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by Stellenbosch. Sundowns did thump CR Belouizdad in the Champions League quarterfinals too, but will be keen to finish the domestic season in a bit more style.

Homework

“We will do our homework and analysis and see what they (Gallants) have to offer,” added Maboe.

“Their striker (Ranga) Chivaviro has been doing well, (Lucky) Mohomi is also popping up with a couple of assists and (Celimpilo) Ngema is also one of their outstanding players. They are a decent team but we will be well prepared.”

Gallants certainly need the points against Sundowns as despite their improved form they remain in serious relegation trouble. The Limpopo side, with two games left to play, are currently only ahead of Chippa United, who are in the relegation play-off spot in 15^th, on goal difference.