BULAWAYO - South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns jetted into the country’s second largest city yesterday for their series of friendly encounters against top local sides.

The Pretorians were welcomed at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport by Highlanders officials, who escorted them to their hotel in the city.

Sundowns technical director Trott Moloto later informed journalists that his team will have its first training session at Luveve Stadium today in preparation for their tour opener against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.

 “The coach decided against having a training session today since the guys have had a hectic training schedule in the past week and so we will rest and train tomorrow,” said Moloto, adding:

 “We expect some of our players to join us here after they have sorted their travel documents and these include Anthony Laffor and a new player from Togo. Dennis Onyango could also make his way if he recovers from a bout of malaria while Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena and Punch Masenamela could not make the trip due to injury.”

The Zimbabwean trio of Esrom Nyandoro, Method Mwanjali and Nyasha Mushekwi are part of the contingent that will face the country’s Big Three of Highlanders, CAPS United and Dynamos.

Sundowns will remain in Bulawayo and hold their Thursday training session at Luveve before flying to Harare on Friday morning for their clash with CAPS United in the afternoon.

 Local champions Dynamos will provide the final test for the visitors, who are on a mid-season break to make way for the on-going African Nations Cup finals in South Africa.

 “I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but we chose to come and play here because we know that we will play against competitive sides that will help us grow as a team,” Moloto said.

 “We appreciate the time these teams have afforded us and I would like to assure you that we have brought all our top players as we are taking these matches seriously.” - Sakheleni Nxumalo