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Mosimane aims to do 'better'

ASSESSING STARS: Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter Photo Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images
ASSESSING STARS: Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter Photo Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images

OVER the past few weeks, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane ridiculed anyone who dared ask him to discuss how he plans to cut down log leaders Kaizer Chiefs' 12-point gap at the summit of the Absa Premiership.

But yesterday, ahead of the clash between the two sides at FNB Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm kickoff), Mosimane shielded his players and technical staff from the assertion that they were allowing Chiefs to run iiaway with the title.

The Brazilians recovered from an 11-point deficit to overhaul Chiefs and become champions last season, but their slow start to the current campaign sees them visit the Glamour Boys lying in fifth place after 10 matches.

"It is not going to be easy. This team [Sundowns] has won one cup in seven years, but everyone now expects us to stay there - to win at least five cups in seven years. I am working hard at Sundowns," he said.

Instead of lashing out, Mosimane said he had turned the criticism into motivation for his players, who could use a lift following a single victory from five matches in all competitions.

"I understand the criticism, even from our fans. Yes, Sundowns can do better."

Chiefs meanwhile, will have to asses their Bafana Bafana quintet of Brilliant Khuzwayo, Tefu Mashamaite, Erick Mathoho Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Mandla Masango, who only returned from Nigeria yesterday, to see if they can fit in tomorrow against the Brazilians.

"It should be noted that Bafana's courageous efforts in the Africa Cup of Nations were due in no small measure to the contribution of the large Chiefs contingent," coach Stuart Baxter said. "It is difficult when you have a break and more so when five players were on national duty.

"We will wait for them to return and assess them before we declare the bill of health ahead of the match."

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