Marumo Gallants coach Dan Malesela is brimming with confidence as his side prepares to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout.
The draw pitted Gallants against a formidable Sundowns team that recently dismantled Kaizer Chiefs 4-0. However, Malesela remains optimistic, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cup competitions.
Gallants advanced to the semi-finals by narrowly defeating the defending champions Stellenbosch FC 1-0 in the quarter-finals. In embodying the tournament’s spirit of upsets, Magesi impressed at the Orlando Stadium, finding themselves 3 nil up at half time against Soweto Giants Orlando Pirates.
Malesela stressed the importance of meticulous preparation ahead of the crucial clash, as his team aims to defy expectations and secure a place in the final.
“Playing Stellenbosch on Wednesday (31 October in the Betway Premiership) provided us with a clearer understanding of what to expect,” he remarked in an interview with KickOff.
Malesela acknowledged the difficulty of facing Sundowns but insisted that the game should be approached like any other. “You cannot avoid these things; we could have faced them in the final anyway,” he noted.
The former Sundowns defender was adamant that fear should not hinder his players. “One of the biggest challenges is to remove fear from your players. If they approach the match too worried, they may not progress.”
He has remained confident in his team’s capabilities, stating, “We need to be smart and relaxed against Sundowns. After losing 4-1 in the league, we have nothing to lose now.”
With the belief that his side can score against any opponent, Malesela has set his sights on a determined performance, declaring, “We will just need to remove fear.”