'Handled Him Without a Problem' – Sundowns Legend Slams Mukoko's Absence Ahead of Lupopo Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns icon Eric ‘Tambai’ Ramasike has expressed his disappointment that Saint Eloi Lupopo defender Dieumerci Mukoko Amale will miss their upcoming CAF Champions League clash.

Mukoko received a two-match suspension from CAF for unsportsmanlike conduct and intimidating Orlando Pirates players during a preliminary round fixture.

This rules him out of the group stage opener against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. Ramasike believes the Sundowns squad was more than ready to handle the notoriously aggressive player.

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"We were really looking forward to meeting Mukoko," Ramasike told KickOff. "The likes of Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala, and Teboho Mokoena could have handled him without a problem."

The former Sundowns star suggested that Mukoko's on-field antics would have been met with a firm response in his playing days, referencing one of South African football's most infamous tackles.

"I wish I was still playing so that I could come face to face with Mukoko. I wish he was around when the likes of Linda Buthelezi were still playing," he said.

"We would have put a stop to his attitude. He should not have finished the game against Pirates; he should have been dealt with."

Ramasike drew a parallel to Buthelezi's aggressive challenge on English legend Paul Gascoigne during a 1997 friendly match between Bafana Bafana and England at Old Trafford, which saw Gascoigne stretchered off.

"Do you still remember what Linda Buthelezi did to Paul Gascoigne? That's how you deal with bullies," he added.

Despite Mukoko's absence, Ramasike is confident in his former team's ability to secure a victory, pointing to Saint Eloi Lupopo's defensive frailties against Orlando Pirates.

"But I believe if Pirates can score three goals against Lupopo, what can stop us from beating them? It means their defence is not that solid. It's a straightforward win for Sundowns tomorrow."

While Ramasike regrets not facing Mukoko on the pitch, he remains confident that Mamelodi Sundowns can exploit Saint Eloi Lupopo’s defensive weaknesses to claim victory.