Everything you need to know about the quarter-final tie as the Brazilians look for cup glory
Mamelodi Sundowns will begin their quest for MTN8 glory when they take on Polokwane City on Sunday August 11 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Sundowns reached the final of last season’s competition but lost on post-match penalties to Orlando Pirates and will be looking to right those wrongs this campaign.
The Brazilians are starting the season under new management in the dugout following the exit of coach Rulani Mokwena.
Manqoba Mngqithi is the man in the spotlight this time, assisted by Steve Komphela and Romain Folz, and he has already hinted at a change in style and approach to achieve domestic and continental success in 2024-25.
Sundowns are the team to beat again this season and overwhelming favourites to triumph over Polokwane who managed an impressive eight-placed finish last season.
Head-to-head
It is expected to be a one-sided fixture given Sundowns’ dominance over Polokwane as in their last seven meetings, the Brazilians have won four with three ending in draws.
Sundowns secured a 2-0 victory in the PSL last August before Polokwane forced a goalless draw in the return fixture in December and will perhaps draw confidence from that result.
A defensive approach from Phuti Mohafe’s side is expected on Sunday as they will try to limit Sundowns’ threat but the Brazilians should have enough to get over the line.
What have they said?
Mngqithi intends to make Sundowns quicker than they were under Mokwena and that means a lot of pace down the flanks.
“If you have seen the teams I have coached, you will note, that I always like and enjoy faster football,” Mngqithi said during the MTN8 launch last week.
“I believe in that type of game, the only time I would ask players to be patient, which does not mean the speed of the ball should be slow, but you are less committal when you are playing against a low block where you don’t want to lose possession easily and be caught on the counter.”
Meanwhile, Mohafe knows they are the underdog but is still confident of springing a surprise.
“Playing Sundowns gives you motivation because you are playing one of the best. But we are going to put up a good fight and just need to be one of the surprise packages,” the tactician said.
Form guide
This will be the first fixture for Polokwane who have not played friendly matches in pre-season while Sundowns have been on a tour of Austria where they clashed against some of the world’s top sides.
Masandawana played five matches, winning two, losing as many and drawing one, with their victories coming against Qatari champions Al Arabi (3-0) and Saudi giants Al-Hilal (2-1).
They had started with back-to-back losses against German lower league side SV Sandhausen (2-1) and Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev (1-0) before a 1-1 draw with English Championship side Cardiff City.
Time and where to watch
The match will take place on Sunday, 11 August at the Lucas Moripe Stadium from 3pm. Tickets sell at R60 at TicketPro and TicketPro outlets and the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL (Channel 202).
