Former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena believes Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso may be using uncertainty over his squad to unsettle the Buccaneers before Saturday’s MTN8 final.
The two South African giants meet at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with the match offering both clubs the opportunity to claim the first major trophy of the season.
Cardoso said earlier this week that Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Aubrey Modiba were doubts for the final after suffering injuries while on international duty with Bafana Bafana.
The Sundowns coach added that late fitness assessments would be used to decide whether the three players could be included in his squad.
Mokoena, however, believes the injury updates could also be intended to leave Pirates uncertain about the line-up they will face.
“It might be an advantage in the midfield if they don’t have Mokoena and Aubaas, but they also have an Allende and Mkhulise. I think the battle is going to be in that midfield,” he told Soccerbeat.
‘Those mind games are always played’
The former Pirates winger said managers regularly create doubt over player availability in the build-up to important matches as they seek a psychological advantage.
He also referred to reports that Monnapule Saleng had returned to training. The Sundowns winger has not played for the club this season, but Mokoena suggested his possible involvement could add to the uncertainty surrounding the final.
“There’s always those mind games played by coaches before big games. I also heard Saleng is training, he might be available, but he’s never there.
“Psychologically, the game has those things where the coaches are throwing in those ducks, saying certain players might be available so as not to give away the line-up.”
Mokoena said the uncertainty may therefore form part of Cardoso’s approach, leaving Pirates waiting to establish which Sundowns players will ultimately be fit to play.
He believes Teboho Mokoena and Modiba could still recover in time to face the Buccaneers, despite the concerns made public earlier in the week.
The final will be another meeting between two of South Africa’s leading clubs. Pirates are seeking to maintain their dominance in the MTN8, while Sundowns are attempting to reclaim the trophy.