Durban City coach Eric Tinkler believes Mamelodi Sundowns' fatigue was a significant factor in their shock exit from the CAF Champions League last week. Sundowns' failure to progress to the group stages was a surprise to many, including Tinkler, who attributed their downfall to the demanding schedule they face every year. The modern game has changed, with numerous competitions and games, leading to inevitable fatigue.
Tinkler highlighted that Sundowns have been successful for many years, which has likely contributed to their fatigue. With a packed schedule, it is challenging for teams to maintain their performance levels throughout the season. Tinkler's comments suggest that Sundowns' fatigue may have crept in, affecting their performance in the CAF Champions League. This development has significant implications for Sundowns as they look to regroup and refocus.
Durban City, on the other hand, has qualified for the Confederation Cup group phase in Group B alongside AS FAR, Azam, and Al Ahli Tripoli. Tinkler is looking forward to testing his team against top opponents. The Confederation Cup provides an excellent opportunity for Durban City to compare themselves to other teams and compete at a high level.
Tinkler emphasized that the group stage will be tough for all four groups, but that is where his team wants to be. He stressed the importance of adopting a winning mentality, both home and away, in these competitions. Durban City's participation in the Confederation Cup is a significant achievement, and Tinkler is eager to make the most of this opportunity.
Durban City will visit Mamelodi Sundowns at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday at 8.15pm in a league match. Tinkler stated that his team will go all out for a win, adopting their brand of football and competing to collect points. He emphasized that his approach does not change, regardless of the opponent, and that he will not sit back and play a low block.
Tinkler has a history of beating Sundowns, and he is confident that his team can cause an upset. He acknowledged that Sundowns have quality players, but his team will not be intimidated. The upcoming league match between Durban City and Sundowns promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement.
The weekend's fixtures include several exciting matches, with the Sundowns vs Durban City clash being one of the highlights. Other notable matches include Pirates vs Chiefs and AmaZulu vs Arrows. The league is heating up, and teams will be looking to secure crucial points to improve their standings.
Key points
- Durban City coach Eric Tinkler believes Mamelodi Sundowns' fatigue was a significant factor in their CAF Champions League exit.
- Durban City has qualified for the Confederation Cup group phase in Group B alongside AS FAR, Azam, and Al Ahli Tripoli.
- Tinkler is confident that his team can cause an upset against Sundowns in their upcoming league match.
