Egyptians threaten Sundowns

Coach Mosimane shakes off intimidation

The intimidation by Egyptian team Zamalek’s fans of Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of Sunday’s second leg of the Caf Champions League final has already started‚ with players even receiving death threats on social media‚ Downs coach Pitso Mosimane says.

He was speaking after Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula had given Downs a rousing send-off after their final training session at their Chloorkop base before flying out last night for Alexandria‚ Egypt. The Downs coach said the Brazilians’ confidence was high as they prepare to protect their 3-0 lead gained in an excellent first-leg performance on Saturday at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Mosimane said his squad had revelled in having a rare full week’s training ahead of the second leg at Borg El Arab Stadium. “This is a good week for us. This is a brilliant week. Five days [to prepare] before the match‚” the coach said regarding the PSL routine of having only three days of training between matches. “We trained normally. Today [Wednesday] was the last day of my tactical sessions – it’s done. “[Analysing] Zamalek is done – yesterday and today. We’ve packaged all Zamalek’s home games – against Wydad Casablanca [in the semifinals]‚ against us‚ to see their mentality‚ characteristics and the behaviour of their play at home. “And then we’ll have one session in Alexandria on Friday‚ just to try and sharpen up.