Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has warned his charges against complacency against Mbabane Swallows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday (20:00), urging them to show maximum respect to their opposition with a strong and focused mentality. 

The Brazilians are set to battle for a spot in the group stages of the CAF Champions League against Swallows in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie. 

Swallows, who will host their home match in South Africa due to a lack of stadiums that meet the required CAF standards to host interclub matches in Eswatini, will not be taken lightly according to Mngqithi despite not being reputable on the continent. 

“To be honest, for me, it’s never about setting the tone [for the rest of the season], but it is about winning a football match,” the Sundowns coach said. 

“It is important to respect the opponents and not go into the game with a preconceived idea that this is a game where we need to stamp our authority. We go into the game with an open mind, respect, and humility. 

“We play against every opposition with the same respect you would have if you were playing against Al Ahly or Esperance because football requires that. 

“It is worse with matches where everybody expects you to win, those games are the most difficult because sometimes players lack intrinsic motivation. They rely more on coaches and senior players like Dennis [Onyango] to make them aware that you cannot take this game for granted because anything can happen.” 

The Downs mentor has stressed the importance of approaching continental clashes with a positive mindset, citing Orlando Pirates’ shock early exit in the competition last season to Jwaneng Galaxy in the same stage of the Champions League and Nedbank Cup upsets as an example. 

“The suffering of Pirates was not because of their lack of quality but more on the mentality of the players and how much they wanted to win the match, ” Mngqithi said. 

“It happens when you play against these so-called small teams in the Nedbank Cup, and you will know many teams have suffered against those so-called small opponents. 

“It is because of the mentality, not because these smaller opponents were exceptionally good. When the mentality is not right, you end up not doing well and if there is anything I would worry about going into this match it is mentality and focus.” 

With Sundowns looking to assert their dominance in Africa, Mngqithi will be aiming to bring the coveted CAF Champions League trophy back to Chloorkop as it has been eluding the club since their last victory in 2016 under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane.

Article by Trevor Magoro