Divine Lunga claims gloomy Mamelodi Sundowns must rally against Siwelele

Sundowns will welcome Siwelele on Saturday prior to their journey to TS Galaxy for the seasons closing league match, as their schedule wraps up sooner due to the upcoming CAF Champions League final versus AS FAR from Morocco.

The Brazilians managed only a 1-1 stalemate with Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday, allowing Orlando Pirates to seize the upper hand with a pending match, a far better goal tally and just three points adrift.

We felt let down since we aimed for all three points, despite the match not being straightforward, Lunga remarked about the Chiefs result. It proved challenging and significant, with expectations high for a full victory.

Yet football throws up various twists. The players appeared downcast post match, though we worked to shake it off swiftly with another fixture looming.

We pulled ourselves round to concentrate on the upcoming clash with Siwelele. That result is behind us now, and our attention shifts to this new challenge.

Lunga feels that yielding ground to Pirates alters nothing in their approach to facing Siwelele.

Nothing dramatic or fresh here. We tackle it match by match, our standard way at Sundowns. No need to heap on pressure. Simply aim to secure wins sequentially, he noted.

That approach suits us well, honed over years. No point altering it at this stage.

Three stalemates in their recent five league outings have posed problems, along with struggles to seal games decisively. Siwelele, chasing a top eight spot, have tied four of their last five and grown resilient under manager Lehlohonolo Seema.

The sides also ended in a 1-1 tie during their earlier encounter this term. Sundowns must avoid another deadlock.

We recognise Siwelele shining in recent outings. No simple affair anticipated, particularly as the league nears its close, with all sides keen to bow out strongly, Lunga added.

We accord respect to every opponent. No minor sides exist. Siwelele earn substantial regard, performing solidly lately.

No assumption of simplicity or ease. It will test us, they will battle hard. Still, we prepare fully, deliver our best and seek all three points.