South African Premier League football side Mamelodi Sundowns technical director Trott Moloto yesterday said the three friendly matches with Zimbabwean sides would be a tough challenge for them. They wil form part of preparations for their Nedbank Cup where the winner will represent South Africa in the Confederations Cup.
Sports Reporter
Moloto, who arrived in the country on Tuesday on a tour to organise a friendly match with Highlanders on January 30, said they were happy that they will be afforded the opportunity to play in Zimbabwe.
Sundowns will play Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium on January 30 and engage Caps United on February 1 before winding up with a clash against defending Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Dynamos.
Moloto was accompanied by the Highlanders executive during his tour of the match venue Barbourfields Stadium and Luveve Stadium — which will be used for training sessions — and a local hotel where the team will be staying in Bulawayo. Sundowns was also represented by technical analyst Harris Chueu.
Speaking after the tour in a Press briefing at Highlanders offices, Moloto said they were happy that they would be facing the three clubs.
“We are impressed with what we have seen. It is important to acknowledge and appreciate that we have been afforded the opportunity to play the three clubs.
“We have been given assurance by the municipality and the Highlanders people that everything will be in place when we come here. It is normal that during this time of the year the grass in the stadium will be tall, but we have been assured that it is going to be cut,” said the former South Africa national team coach.
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“We have to get used to this type of competition. It will be a strong challenge for us to play Highlanders, Caps United and Dynamos. They are very strong teams in the southern part of Africa. The main reason we are here is to test ourselves.”
“We are a club on a mission and we are always in search of highly talented players. There is a player that we will be looking at, but we cannot name him because we do not want to put pressure on him before the tour. If we find a player at Highlanders, we will negotiate with the club. We have to respect the position of the club because they groomed the player,” he said.
Moloto also spoke about former Warriors legend Peter Ndlovu who was involved in a tragic accident that claimed the life of his brother Adam last month.
“Peter is a legend. He contributed so much to football in the region. He is a big name and went to play in Europe. He was a very interesting and highly committed player. Peter played three years for Sundowns.”
Chueu said: “This is long overdue. We should have been in Zimbabwe a long time ago. We have had players like Peter, Esrom Nyandoro, Alexander Maseko and Nelson Bandura at Sundowns. We hope that this is a beginning of big things and a good relationship.”
Highlanders chairman Peter Dube said: “This is the beginning of a relationship that is going to help Highlanders grow. Sundowns is one team where we can tap so much from, grow as a team and improve our own club.”
