Sundowns attackers to think outside the box to outfox dogged Pirates defence in MTN8 clash

Reining MTN8 champions Mamelodi Sundowns say they will have to think outside of the box if they are to breakdown Orlando Pirates’ defence in their semi-final first leg on Saturday.

"It won’t be an easy game but the courage and belief is still there. We respect them and go there and give our best, because that's what we do at Sundowns. We don't change things; we make sure we prepare well and get our mindsets ready for whatever is brought upon us on Saturday," said striker Peter Shalulile. 

With Pirates having a strong backline, conceding three goals this season compared to Sundowns’ five in the league, Shalulile knows it will require great imagination to break the watertight defence down.

However, he is relishing the battle even though The Brazilians have had their own struggles in front of goal.

"Their backline is difficult to score against but having a mark of champions means that you knock on the door until you score. 

"In every match that we have played against big teams this season, we managed to create chances. Come Saturday, all that we have to do is bury the chances that we have to get because every match, we are definitely going to get chances and it's up to us front line players, to make sure that we score the goals."

Shalulile's teammate, Neo Maema echoed his statements and agrees it will be up to the attacking players to break down the Pirates defence.  

"In Sundowns, as offensive players we always put pressure on ourselves to hit the back of the net because that is what is expected of us. We try by all means to create and bury the chances, however in the last few games it has been difficult for us." 

With this being the first of two legs, Maema insisted that his side will stick to their "culture" and approach both