UJ Ladies coach expecting tactical battle in Gauteng derby

UJ comes into the fixture on the back of a 1-0 defeat to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, and will be looking for a quick return to form.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Modiko admits her youthful side will have to be at their best against Mitchell Stevens’ charges.

"I think for the upcoming match, there are no other expectations besides it being a big one – very difficult, very tactical, very demanding, and I think it's going to be one where, as UJ, we need to be at our best defensively and in our organisation," said 'Dunga'.

"We do not need to be making any mistake in terms of flooring it, or just letting it go. I think, if we can be precise in making sure that we pick the right moments to do big actions, and also small actions in the right moments as well, that's what I'm anticipating in this one."

The 38-year-old mentor believes their previous match against Sundowns came as a wake-up call ahead the Gauteng derby, and stresses the importance of getting rid of early mental fatigue to carry the team through the full 90 minutes.

"I think, for us, we don't look at it as a loss but a challenge that we have to overcome – a lot of lessons, we saw how our mental fatigue got the best of us," she added.

"We also saw how a little bit of lapse of concentration in the second half opened up a floodgate where all of a sudden Sundowns were able to come at us.

"I think, if we can have the attitude, energy and mentality we showed in the first half against Sundowns, we need to have that for the whole match and not only in segments."

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