Interview
Allende on coping with Lupopo theatrics
Photograph: Marcelo Allende
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende is unfazed by FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo’s antics forward of their CAF Champions League group stage opener at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
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The DR Congo outfit knocked out Orlando Pirates within the second preliminary spherical, however the victory was marred by their theatrics and a criticism to CAF by the Buccaneers after the two-legged tie.
Consequently, Lupopo might be with out right-back Dieumerci Mukoko Amale, who was slapped with a two-match suspension for his lack of sportsmanship within the second leg in opposition to Pirates.
With the conflict looming, the Downs midfield maestro says they’re concentrating on a robust begin to their marketing campaign, having didn’t register a win of their opener final season.
“I feel everybody is aware of within the membership, the gamers, the technical group, how vital is that this match and I feel beginning with three factors is an important factor in our minds. We ready very well this week, we’re there and able to begin in one of the simplest ways with the three factors,” stated Allende.
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On the Congolese’s unprofessionalism, Allende insists Masandawana are specializing in themselves and executing their recreation plan to perfection, regardless of Lupopo’s confirmed misconduct.
“Our focus is all the time on our recreation, we have to make our recreation, our thought, transfer the ball quicker and take the probabilities we create. I feel we’re right here [ready] for this recreation and to get the three factors and I feel that is an important factor,” he added.
Sundowns have been pitted in Group C alongside Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger, Sudanese giants Al-Hilal Omdurman, along with Lupopo.
