Heat is on Sundowns

15 May 2015 - 02:19 By Mazola Molefe and Tshepang Mailwane

Having failed to defend their league title, big-spending Mamelodi Sundowns are the team under the most pressure going into their Nedbank Cup final against Ajax Cape Town in Port Elizabeth, tomorrow. Mazola Molefe found five reasons why they will emerge the winners, while Tshepang Mailwane is tipping the Urban Warriors to stage an upset.SUNDOWNSAlje Schut factorAs evidenced by their previous four matches, The Brazilians' defence struggled to close the gap in their skipper's absence. His return will be a massive boost.ExperienceA side laden with former and current internationals, Sundowns have an edge even before kick-off. There's no short supply of cool heads at Chloorkop, many of whom can rise to the occasion.The trophyThis week, key players opened up about their desperation to salvage their season by at least winning the Nedbank Cup.Splitting the cashClub owner Patrice Motsepe has often dangled the prizemoney as an incentive for them to go all out. With the squad smaller than in previous seasons, the R7-million winners' cheque should be more than enough to go around.Pitso MosimaneHe can be the difference with his tactics on Saturday. Mosimane has not been afraid to change the style of play when he feels it's the right call, especially on their way to the cup final. The 2-0 win against Black Aces in the quarterfinals, as well as the narrow 1-0 victory over Vasco da Gama in the semifinals, quickly spring to mind.AJAX CAPE TOWNThere is no pressureRoger de Sa is not going to lose his job as coach if Ajax lose the final tomorrow. There's no pressure on Ajax and teams that are not under pressure can be dangerous. They are certainly not going to be afraid to attack their opponents.Youngsters hungry to shineMost youngsters in the Ajax team have never played in a cup final at this level. Once their nerves disappear, expect them to dazzle. Sundowns are suspect in defence against speedy players and De Sa will surely encourage his players to get into the opposition box a lot.Experienced campaignersDe Sa is blessed to have four players - Franklin Cale, Dominic Isaacs, Nathan Paulse and Nazeer Allie - who were part of the Ajax team that beat Sundowns in the 2007 Absa Cup final.The coach will not be on the bench after his sending off in the final league game of the season last week, so his experienced men will play a big role.Norodien a match winnerRiyaad Norodien, 21, has been one of the best players in the competition. He is quick, has good ball skills and is not afraid to take shots from range. It's a chance for him to shine against the stars of Sundowns, who should not give him too much room to do as he pleases.Look out for DollyAfter winning the young player of the season award in 2014-2015, a lot was expected of midfielder Keagan Dolly. But he has struggled this season. On loan from Sundowns, Dolly has a chance to show Mosimane he's not lost any of last season's spark. On-loan players perform well against parent clubs...

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