Lovers Mohlala: Mamelodi Sundowns can afford to draw against Asec Mimosas

As Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to secure six points over Cote d’Ivoire’s Asec Mimosas in the Caf Champions League, ex-defender Jethro 'Lovers' Mohala says a draw will help the Brazilians.

Mohlala reckons Mimosas will look to upset the visitors on Tuesday as they are keen to secure their second win in Group A, but this might also open them up at the back.

“Sundowns can get a win, but they must be careful of going all out and attack. They just have to study the game and see what Asec will bring to the table,” Mohlala told Goal.

“We know they (Asec) are under pressure to get a win after losing to Wydad (Casablanca) and beating Lobi Stars, so their plan is to get a win and remain close to the chasing pack,” he added.

On the other hand, Sundowns defeated the West Africans  3-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium a week ago, and the hosts will want to avenge that defeat.

The 2016 African champions have accumulated six points from three games - two wins and a loss, and will meet Asec before hosting Nigeria’s Lobi Stars next month in Tshwane.

“My point is that Sundowns must not rush to go for a win because they have six points already and are not really under pressure to win. I think a draw will definitely help them because the focus is on beating Lobi at home,” he explained.

“A win will come as a bonus, but they must just look to exploit the spaces because Asec will definitely open up because they want to win and sitting back will kill their hopes as far as the log table is concerned,” continued the former Bafana Bafana left-back.

“I cannot say much on what they must do because coach Jingles (Pitso Mosimane) is very experienced in terms of continental tournaments. He is the only coach with many games in South Africa because they have been in the tournament for more than five years now,” he reacted.

Meanwhile, with the Brazilians having signed striker in Emiliano Tade in the recent transfer window, the Argentine has already scored on his debut against the Ivorian side, but Mohlala is still unsure about his position. 

“I am sure the coach will find the right spot for him in the team because I have not really followed his game at AmaZulu,” he said.

“However, based on what I have seen so far, I think he is like ‘Mshishi’ (Zwane), he operates as a false number nine. He can do well at number 10,” responded the former Wits University star.

“I don’t think he is like (Jeremy) Brockie. It will be good for him to just remain versatile because it is also easy to close down and study a team that has a number nine rather than a team that attacks deep from midfield like Sundowns is doing,” he noted.

“I think for him to succeed at Sundowns is to look at playing football, not play in a certain position. I always tell players to remain versatile because you have so many chances of playing if you are. Just like me, I played in defence, midfield and I also tried upfront,” reflected the legend.

“I like that we have players such as (Lyle) Lakay. That boy is prepared to play no matter where Jingles deploys him – he doesn’t limit himself,” concluded Mohlala.