Tshwane derby spices up Telkom KO quarters

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said their match was going to be a different ball game.

“It’s the Tshwane derby and both teams will want to win it. I have unfolded a can of worms by dropping other players to give others a chance to play.”

“The goals are flowing so we need to be very careful against SuperSport United.”

“We’re all human beings, coach Baxter is right and I know it myself that after a big win, it is the most dangerous time for a team. The game against Cape Town City FC humbled us and I spoke to the players.”

Baxter said: “I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two derbies. The Soweto derby is hyped and it gets to the players.

“This is a derby and it’s for the players to say we have improved and let’s move past the game against Orlando Pirates.

“I think after our last game, it’s difficult to keep everyone’s feet on the ground.”

Meanwhile Orlando Pirates interim coach Augusto Palacios gave his thoughts on taking charge of the Buccaneers’ fortunes as they play Highlands Park in the quarterfinals.

“Today I told Benson (Mhlongo, assistant coach) welcome to the club. I told him he can’t be like a player anymore but he’s a leader.

“It’s my third time taking this position. What I want to tell you is that I didn’t apply for the job. it’s the chairman that asked me. I don’t think the players will be affected by the 6-1 loss. We never spoke about the previous coach. Coaches are different. We never spoke about the 6-1. Manchester United lose 4-0 – so it happens.

“I have had individual meetings with some of the players as well as a general meeting with the whole team”.

Meanwhile Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler will be looking for an improved performance despite a 1-0 midweek win over Celtic, when take on Baroka FC.

“It’s amazing, because when we play against the bigger teams, we play with no fear, players seem to be able to express themselves. We manage to keep the ball, we look good in possession, we look good going forward. And then against Celtic, we can’t make more than two, three passes.

“Our decision making is poor, our first touch is poor, our first pass is poor. That’s worrying. I can’t understand why that is happening. Why can’t they produce like they do against bigger teams?”

Baroka coach Kgoloko Thobejane, speaking after the midweek 0-0 draw with Kaizer Chiefs said in response: “This game of football sometimes can kill you because once you create a chance and you can’t bury that chance, then this is the case. Maybe if you shoot we could have converted one.

“That one (the Cape Town City game), it’s so simple because we need to go to the semifinal, so we are sure those Cape Town City, they must come and push us to the semi-final. We are sure of that one.”

Quarterfinal matches:

Saturday:
Baroka FC vs Cape Town City, Peter Mokaba Stadium, 3pm
Mamelodi Sundowns vs SuperSport United, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 6pm
Orlando Pirates vs Highlands Park, Orlando Stadium, 8.30pm

Sunday:
Kaizer Chiefs vs Free State Stars, Moses Mabhida Stadium, 3pm.