Best time to face wounded Sundowns? Gomora United coach responds | OneFootball

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Gomora coach on facing Downs after CAFCL defeat

Photo: Alche Greef/BackPagePix

Gomora United head coach Ashley Makhanya has responded to whether it's the ideal time to face Mamelodi Sundowns following their CAF Champions League defeat to Al-Hilal.

The minnows will visit the South African champions in a Nedbank Cup Round of 32 clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday, with Downs itching to return to winning ways as firm favourites.

When quizzed on whether Sundowns' continental setback gives Gomora a glimmer of hope for causing an upset, Makhanya thought otherwise, stating the loss will only fuel Miguel Cardoso's side.

“I don't think from our perspective we look too much into that they've lost in their recent match in the CAF Champions League, that's way above our level at the moment. I don't think we can look at it and say they are there for the taking,” he said.

"In fact, you think that makes them even more determined [to bounce back] from that defeat. This game is perfect for them because after a defeat the best way to recover is to have a game immediately. So, we know we are in big trouble because of that.

"So, they are going to come firing from all cylinders just to get the confidence back, just to get the morale back. We know from the beginning of the match it's going to be tough, and if we can just settle in it in the early parts of the game, and don't allow them to really go ahead, we should be fine. But we know it's going to be more tougher because of the loss they come from.

Though the Gomora boss acknowledges securing a favourable result in the capital won't be a walk in the park, he insists his troops will approach the tie with a winning mentality.

“We go with no fear, what's the worst that can happen? They are beating everybody, who are we to come and say we have to [be wary]. No, we have no fear, we are going to do our best. We know what Sundowns is capable of, what they have been doing for so many years,” added Makhanya.

"So, we will put our plan in motion and then whatever happens will happen but we don't want to go there with fear of what will happen. It's a wonderful experience from the perspective of the players - generally any young player who's never played at a professional level against a team of that stature, will be looking forward to playing in that game and you have to give them the opportunity to express themselves and show their quality.

"If you lose you lose but as long as you don't lose yourself, you show what you've got and what you're made of - that's what is important for us for this game. The result will take care of itself but we want to put up a good performance, we want to show what Gomora United is about and what the future holds for Gomora United and their contribution to South African football.