Mosimane aims to keep record

FEW coaches can boast of having an unbeaten record in Egypt, but that is exactly what Pitso Mosimane has.

And Sunday would be the worst possible time to lose that as Mamelodi Sundowns face Zamalek, who have to overcome a three-goal deficit in the Caf Champions League final second leg.

That determines the Egyptian side’s vital priority – to put every effort from the start to score goals at the Borgel-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

And how will Mosimane counter that? Not by “parking the bus”, he says, referring to the tactic of teams drawing virtually everyone back into defence to prevent goals.

“We went to Egypt for an important game in the group stages and we didn’t park the bus.

“We also went to ES Setif for our first match and we didn’t park the bus.

“Why should we park the bus now in such an important match?

“If we go through and find out we’re playing Real Madrid, then maybe we could park the bus because it’s a dream game for us.

“We won’t park the bus now. If they score, let’s score and see what happens,” Mosimane said.

When the coach’s record against sides from Egypt was pointed out at a media briefing, Mosimane was modest in accepting the fact.

“Thanks for that stat because if it came from me, it would have sounded like I was bragging, but yes I’ve never lost in Egypt.”

As for Zamalek’s tactics, the coach is aware of exactly what the Egyptians will do.

“You know what’s going to happen in the first 15 minutes?

“That period is going to be crucial for us and they’ll throw everything at us.

“Can we absorb the pressure? That’s something that will have to be seen.

“If we absorb the pressure, they’ll start to make desperate movements and push everybody forward,” Mosimane said.

“We ’ve got the pace to expose frailties at the back and we’ve got the players to make sure we drill any mistakes.

“This is something they know and they are wary of leaving space at the back for our pacy players.”