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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi is expecting a tricky encounter against Chippa United when the sides meet in a DStv Premiership fixture at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday (5pm).
The Chilli Boys kicked off their league campaign on a high note at the weekend, beating PSL debutants Sekhukhune United 1-0.
It was a Vuluyeke Zulu early goal that set Chippa on their way to a first league win under the guidance of experienced coach Gavin Hunt.
Fully aware of how Hunt operates and the type of team he is capable of building, Mngqithi said they were ready for a fight on Tuesday.
“I am expecting a tough match knowing Gavin Hunt,” Mngqithi said.
“Even the goal they scored against Sekhukhune it was from a set-piece and they have some very strong players in Seabi Sammy and Vuluyeke Zulu, all those players, in fact, also Bienvenu Eva Nga.
“Also, Lucky Ngele is a big factor at set-pieces because he is good aerially and also good in and around the box and on direct free kicks.
“So you can expect a game that will have a lot of aerial duels, a game that will have a lot of bite because Chippa work very hard.
“With Gavin, you know his teams are never easy to break down.
“One also foresees a possibility of them sitting in a little bit.
“They played with three centrebacks against Sekhukhune and with two wingbacks, and with three central midfielders and two up top.
“So you can expect a game that will be a little bit frustrating with a bit of directness offensively from Ismail Watenga, who has a very good kick, and Eva Nga on top.”
Sundowns will also go into the game having beaten AmaZulu in their opening encounter.
Mngqithi will be hoping to build on that.
He said their match against AmaZulu was a good opportunity to see what they had in playing personnel at this stage and also what threats their opponents could pose.
“Also, what is not helping us at this stage are the injuries that we have had.
“That has made our lives a little bit difficult in our selection and maybe changing of a team that has been doing well,” Mngqithi said.
“After two wins in two matches you wouldn’t now want to tamper with that team but as it is now we are back to that stage where we have to bring other players in.
“We believe they have got the capacity to help the team.”
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