30 seconds with Trott Moloto

We asked the Mamelodi Sundowns stand-in coach:

How are you planning to stop Orlando Pirates advancing to the next stage of the Nedbank Cup today?

It's going to be a different ball game, having played a stubborn Black Leopards in the previous round. I look forward to a tough encounter. We know Pirates' strengths and weaknesses, but forgive me for not dwelling on them for obvious reasons. The team has been strengthened where we thought we were weak against Leopards. We will not underestimate Pirates and are well prepared. It will be a high-tempo game.

Your team hasn't looked convincing, especially in your win over Leopards. Are you sure your players are prepared for the Pirates encounter?

I hope this will be the turning point. I have been working on combinations. We have reached a point where the players are beginning to gel.

There were reports this week that Mabhuti Khenyeza had gone AWOL.

It's not true. You have seen him here at training with us and he has been here even after he got a red card. He is now even more focused.

Do you want the Sundowns coaching job?

No. If I wanted the job I would have applied for it and indicated to the president and members of the board that I am interested. I have many responsibilities in the office of the president as adviser on technical matters such as hiring of coaches and the movement of players. I've got no ambition to be Sundowns coach.

What music do you listen to in your car?

Good gospel music. The kind that appeals to me is played by the likes of BeBe and CeCe Winans. They are my favourite artists. But I also like local gospel music because there is always a message. I also listen to other genres.

What's your ideal night out after your team has secured an important victory?

This is something I do often, time permitting. I enjoy taking my wife out for dinner. We sometimes go with friends. Our partners should share our happiness because when you experience sad moments in your life they are there for you.

What's happening with the search for a new coach?

We have been busy. There are a lot of applications from local and overseas coaches who are highly qualified. Sundowns is a big club and we have to go through the CVs carefully to make sure we get the best man. We need quality and the candidate for coach should show that he understands the club's culture. There should be continuity.

How soon should we expect the announcement?

We are moving close to the final stages, but we can't disclose anything at the moment.

Any new signings for the new season?

We need prolific scorers and we are searching locally and internationally. This is certainly the one area where we need to improve.

You have a big squad. Isn't that a problem?

There are moments when you need to replace players in case of injuries or suspension. There's nothing wrong in keeping a big squad.

As former national coach, what do you think of Bafana Bafana's World Cup chances?

I'm positive and think they will do well and get past the group stage. I have been to two World Cups (France and Korea/Japan) and I have seen what home-ground advantage and local support can do for players.

Do you think muti plays a role in football?

No. It's all in the mind. When I was at Swallows, Mario Tuani used to burn paper and smear us with Vaseline. It was only later, when I reflected as a mature person, that I realised it was just one of his ways of motivating players.