Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi is wary of the threat posed by Marumo Gallants, saying Dan Malesela’s men are talented players who will give them a tough game.

The Brazilians will face Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in the semi-final of the Carling Knockout at Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday (15:00). 

Mngqithi, whose side lost to TS Galaxy in the last 16 last season, believes that this game will not be easy because Gallants have many good players. 

“We’ve done our work in terms of video analysis,” Mngqithi said. 

 “We’ve looked at the last four matches they’ve played. They are a very good team and Dan [Malesela] has been always that coach who plays very good football with a lot of short passes. But lately, he has also developed a culture of some long balls. The goal that was scored by Siyabulela Shai against Stellenbosch [in the quarterfinal of the Carling Knockout] is evidence that now you also look for the diagonal dodges and the balls behind the defense. 

“It’s a very good team with a lot of very interesting players. (Thapelo) Dhludhlu is on the right, a very quick dribbler that causes a lot of problems. They still have Gabadinho Mhango who comes in whenever they need him. 

“Their midfielder is very industrious, Edgar Manaka, Xola Mlambo, and the boy that I think not many people know and I regard him very highly, Sekele Sithole. 

“I think he is a very, very good football player and not many people don’t talk about him, but I think he’s one of those players who are overlooked. 

 “I like Lebohang Mabotja at left-back, I think he’s always been a very important player for Marumo.” 

This will be not the first time these two sides playing against each other this season. 

The Brazilians beat Bahlabane Ba Ntwa 4-1 in September in the Betway Premiership match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. 

The winner will face Magesi FC in the final at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on 23 November. Magesi beat Richards Bay 1-0 in the other semi-final on Saturday.