Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi says his fear of playing against underdogs has prompted him to 'dig deep' in learning everything about upcoming Carling Knockout opponents Magesi FC.
The Brazilians will be aiming to collect their first trophy of the season when they take on an equally motivated Magesi outfit at the Free State Stadium on Saturday.
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With a star-studded squad that is no stranger to silverware, Sundowns are the overwhelming favourites.
However, Magesi have already proved their grit against big teams this season, holding both SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs to draws in the Betway Premiership, while they dispatched Orlando Pirates in the first round of the Carling Knockout.
Speaking to media ahead of the final, Mngqithi said he is wary of the danger posed by the Clinton Larsen-led outfit.
"Going into Magesi, and because I respect every opponent, I'm always scared of the opponents that are not favourites to win the match. I am always scared of those [teams] because they always pull surprises," explained Mngqithi.
"So, I try to dig as deep as I can and look at every individual, and to know their team, probably more than I know my team sometimes.
"Because as it is now, I can tell you the starting XI and the potential substitutes, and everything that they can play in this match.
"I know how difficult it is going to be to deal with that [Wonderboy] Makhubu up front. I know Deolin Mekoa is going to be causing a lot of problems with his left foot. [Samuel] Darpoh is a big problem in the midfield because he breaks down most of the attacks.
"They have got [Tshepo] Mashigo on the right, who is running for every ball, and [doing so] very instrumentally, even assisting them defensively. They have got [Delano] Abrahams as a right back, who I think is one of the most influential and underrated players in the PSL.
"He is very influential as an offensive player, but now he is playing as a right back. They have got [Edmore] Chirambadare, who is very lazy on the left but very dangerous offensively, Because when he comes out, he is a very important player offensively for them.
"So, I think he reserves the energy for that because he is very influential offensively.
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"And in their back four, you know you have got [John] Mokone on the side on the left, and another, [Lehlogonolo] Mokone, as a right centre back.
"You have got [Elvis] Chipezeze who is a very good goalkeeper, and he works very hard. He knows what he is doing.
"We know what to expect and we just have to be focused and keep our levels of motivation at the right level," he added.