WONDERING where goals will come from this season for Mamelodi Sundowns? Alje Schut is backing new strikers Mame Niang and Bongi Ntuli to rattle the net for the Absa Premiership defending champions.

The Downs captain singled out the two forwards from the club’s list of recent recruits, saying they would help them convert chances. Their numbers aren’t convincing, but Schut has been singing their praises.

Niang, bought from neighbours SuperSport United last week, managed just six goals from 25 matches for Matsatsantsa, while Ntuli netted nine goals from 28 games for relegated Golden Arrows.

“I think we already had a good team and the coach [Pitso Mosimane] added some great players. Mame brings in something different to the team. You saw that last season when we were trailing I had to leave my position at the back and go up front to bring what we call ‘war in the box’ and I scored sometimes. But now we have Mame who can do that,” said Schut.

“We have also brought in a great talent in Ntuli. He is young, but I can see a lot of potential in him. He is a little bit shy, but I also told him to be more dominant on the field because with his physique he should demand every ball and keep defenders at bay.”

The captain was only affirming Mosimane’s views on why Sundowns signed Niang. The coach said: “When we realise during a game that we have been trying to break through using wing play and other combinations but get nothing, then maybe he can give us something different especially for the [CAF] Champions League.”

While Schut can’t wait to see both Niang and Ntuli in action, starting with their MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Platinum Stars on Saturday at Loftus, the Dutchman is worried about managing players who will be left out in the cold because of Mosimane’s big squad.