Mamelodi Sundowns are overwhelming favourites to begin their Nedbank Cup campaign with a win as they take on ABC Motsepe League side Sibanye Golden Stars on Saturday.
Sundowns will enjoy home comforts at the Loftus Versfeld and welcome the lower league team on the back of a 2-1 win over Magesi FC on Wednesday which saw them open up a six-point lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates.
The Brazilians can now focus on the Nedbank Cup and are thankful that they are not taking on a PSL side but the third-tier team will also pose many dangers as they are a team Sundowns rarely watch.
However, there will be no excuses for Miguel Cardoso and his men as they are expected to triumph and begin a journey to win the trophy that they last laid their hands on in 2022 and lost last season’s final to Pirates in heartbreaking fashion.
Head-to-head
Sundowns will be taking on Golden Stars for the first time, adding onto the intrigue, but the Brazilians will be wary of an upset after two PSL sides were shocked by lower league opposition at the Round of 32 last season, while in 27 meetings at this stage, 15 such shocks have been witnessed in the last six years.
Form guide
Sundowns come into the match with a good record following their 2-1 win over Magesi and also having sealed their place in the CAF Champions League quarter-final.
Their last defeat was on January 4, a 1-0 loss to Raja Casablanca in the Champions League, after they had been on a six-match unbeaten run, which included four wins and a draw. It means Golden Stars have their work cut out on enemy territory on Saturday.
Team news
Sundowns have doubts over full-backs Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena, who went off injured against Magesi, while goalkeeper Ronwen Williams serves the final of his three-match ban. Divine Lunga is also suspended after his last-minute red card against Magesi.
It is a match where Cardoso is expected to make many changes, however, given his team will be playing a third game in seven days and a lot of the fringe players will likely get a run out.
What have they said?
While his team are the overwhelming favourites, Cardoso is urging for caution, saying the match will be won by mentality and not quality, as he feels an upset can be witnessed if his players take to the pitch thinking it will be easy.
“You don’t prepare the players for these kinds of matches on the day before,” said the Portuguese coach.
“You need to prepare an attitude in a general and regular basis. That’s what we’ve been doing since we arrived at the club.
“So, that’s what we understand, it’s not a matter of who you play against, it’s a matter of how you want to be, how you want to leave.
“So, it’s a constructive attitude more than just to try to find motivation for playing a match. I don’t believe in short-term motivation, I don’t believe in external motivation, I believe in drive.”
Time & where to watch?
The match will kick off at 18.00 at the Loftus Versfeld and will be live on SuperSport TV (SS 202).
Sundowns predicted XI
Onyango, Lebusa, Khoza, Kekana, Mashego, Aubaas, Maema, Matthews, Sales, Shalulile, Letlhaku
