ERTUGRAL finds himself between a rock and a hard place as he prepares his Lamontville Golden Arrows for a clash against the mean Mamelodi machine, Sundowns.
Ertugral's defence is depleted ahead of the away trip to the free-scoring table toppers at Loftus on Wednesday night.
"I have to find defensive organisation," said Ertugral, his side still smarting from the Nedbank Cup last-16 defeat to a 10-man Maritzburg United via a Cuthbert Malajila's second-half strike in KwaMashu on Saturday.
"Thamsanqa Zwane, Robyn Johannes and Joseph Musonda are all out and it will be a huge challenge to contain Sundowns. But nothing is impossible," he said.
Sundowns' forwards are in fine fettle and are finding the net with regular impunity. Their fearsome foursome Katlego Mphela, Nyasha Mushekwi, Teko Modise and Elias Pelembe have fired 28 goals between them, propelling Downs to 42 points as Dutchman Johan Neeskens bids to deliver the league championship in his maiden season in charge at Chloorkop.
After hitting a couple of speed bumps, Sundowns are desperate to increase their two-point lead at the summit of the standings. Given the state of their rickety rearguard, Arrows could be cannon fodder and a torrid time is on the cards for their 19-year-old rookie goalkeeper from Chesterville Nkosingiphle Gumede.
Ertugral's problems are not only restricted to the rearguard. Midfield general and captain Thanduyise Khuboni will also be missing from action because "he picked his third yellow card".
What will be the battle plan against the Brazilians? "We need to disturb Sundowns in the build-up by pressing them high up. Their 4-3-3 is very difficult to play against in that they never lose the ball easily and they can have 10 or 11 touches and score," he said.
Hard time for Arrows keeper
ERTUGRAL finds himself between a rock and a hard place as he prepares his Lamontville Golden Arrows for a clash against the mean Mamelodi machine, Sundowns.
Ertugral's defence is depleted ahead of the away trip to the free-scoring table toppers at Loftus on Wednesday night.
"I have to find defensive organisation," said Ertugral, his side still smarting from the Nedbank Cup last-16 defeat to a 10-man Maritzburg United via a Cuthbert Malajila's second-half strike in KwaMashu on Saturday.
"Thamsanqa Zwane, Robyn Johannes and Joseph Musonda are all out and it will be a huge challenge to contain Sundowns. But nothing is impossible," he said.
Sundowns' forwards are in fine fettle and are finding the net with regular impunity. Their fearsome foursome Katlego Mphela, Nyasha Mushekwi, Teko Modise and Elias Pelembe have fired 28 goals between them, propelling Downs to 42 points as Dutchman Johan Neeskens bids to deliver the league championship in his maiden season in charge at Chloorkop.
After hitting a couple of speed bumps, Sundowns are desperate to increase their two-point lead at the summit of the standings. Given the state of their rickety rearguard, Arrows could be cannon fodder and a torrid time is on the cards for their 19-year-old rookie goalkeeper from Chesterville Nkosingiphle Gumede.
Ertugral's problems are not only restricted to the rearguard. Midfield general and captain Thanduyise Khuboni will also be missing from action because "he picked his third yellow card".
What will be the battle plan against the Brazilians? "We need to disturb Sundowns in the build-up by pressing them high up. Their 4-3-3 is very difficult to play against in that they never lose the ball easily and they can have 10 or 11 touches and score," he said.
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