Sibusiso Vilakazi expects tough match against Stars

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Feb 21, 2018. 11:00

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Sibusiso Vilakazi is expecting a tough match against Free State Stars when the teams cross swords at Loftus Versfeld Stadium tonight.

Sundowns are looking to stretch their lead at the top of the log to seven points but can expect a difficult encounter against Stars, who have transformed from relegation candidates to a team currently occupying fourth place on the standings.

“They have been a difficult team to beat. They are a stubborn side, especially when you play them in their backyard,” Vilakazi told Kick-Off.

“But even when they play away they can get points, so we need to be guarded. They have picked up a lot of points to get to a point where they are close to us on the log.”

The playmaker has also warned ‘Downs against allowing their focus to slip towards the weekend’s Tshwane derby against SuperSport United.

“If we win the game [against Stars], then we will look to the next one. That’s the mentality we need to have – win our games, win our games,” he explained.

“But firstly, you need to deal with the moment because you live for the moment. It’s important that we keep the focus and not look too far ahead.

“It [the league] is going to be a marathon. There’s 10 games to go, so the important thing is to focus on Free State Stars.

“It’s going to be a tough one because we are at that stage where everybody wants points.

“It’s about consistency. We are sitting on top of the log so we would like to keep that gap.

“We are in a position where we don’t need favours from anyone and we would like to keep it that way.”