Pitso Mosimane warns Barcelona of Sundowns' attack

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Monday May 14, 2018. 11:35

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says their game against Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona is for his players to learn and gain experience.

The Brazilians are set to host the Catalan side at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday in an international friendly to celebrate Dr Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday.

With Barcelona having arrived in the country, the match comes after the Brazilians lifted their eighth Absa Premiership title last weekend.

However, Mosimane has warned the La Liga champions that they must be ready to stop the Sundowns’ attacks led by Themba Zwane, Percy Tau, Sibusiso Vilakazi and others.

"The Barca game is for the guys to get experience and to see how far we've gone; what's the level and the difference between us and Barca - the PSL and La Liga or African and European football," Mosimane said.

"For me personally, it's to see how far our tactics are in relation to Barca and of course you are not going to stop Barca from playing.

“Nobody has stopped Barca from playing and even against Real Madrid, they scored two goals [during their 2-2 draw earlier this month].

"They scored five last week in their last match against Villarreal . You can't have stress and you are happy to play. Let's see how long we can last before the first goal comes. Let's see our organisation; the way we defend and attack. Maybe the difference is between the rand and the Euro.

"If we play the Sundowns way, you know Sundowns, can Barca stop Sundowns in those principles of attack? It's all about that, because I think you know who will win.

"I think we expect Barca to win, to be honest [and] not to say we don't have confidence, but the reality has to be there. If we win, it's unbelievable.”