Mamelodi Sundowns will face off with Kaizer Chiefs yet again this season as they take on each other in the Nedbank Cup semi-final on Sunday, April 13.
Sundowns have played Chiefs three times already this season and won all of them, making them favourites to triumph against the Glambour Boys for a fourth time this term, given the struggles of Nasreddine Nabi’s team.
To win, however, Sundowns players will have to execute coach Miguel Cardoso’s tactical plan, the same applying to Chiefs, who are under massive pressure to impress as this is their only chance to win a trophy this season.
Ahead of the match, Afrik-Foot highlights the players who will likely make the difference in the key match.
Mamelodi Sundowns players to watch
Ronwen Williams
The ever-present goalkeeper will be the man tasked with keeping out Chiefs from scoring whenever they breach the defence and while his quality is already known, he will be vital if the match heads to post-match penalties.
This is where he will be tested the most as if Chiefs keep out Sundowns from scoring inside 90 minutes and extra time, it will be down to the goalkeepers to save the day.
Jayden Adams
The midfielder has made a great impact since his midseason arrival from Stellenbosch, allowing Sundowns to play through the lines, and creating chances for his team-mates.
Adams, who was the match winner in the quarter-final, is also adept at scoring goals as he has three and two assists for his new team and should give Chiefs a problem in midfield.
Lucas Ribeiro
Chiefs need no introduction to playmaker Lucas Ribeiro as in their three meetings this season, the Brazilian has two goals and as many assists, and will be the dangerman in the cup match again.
The PSL’s leading scorer is not just good at finding the target but also setting up goals for his team-mates and coach Nabi will need to devise a strategy to stop him.
Ribeiro has 16 goals and 11 assists this season, with only the Nedbank Cup where he is yet to score but he could open his account on Sunday if Chiefs do not keep him quiet.
Kaizer Chiefs players to watch
Miguel Inacio
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to defender Miguel Inacio to offer protection at the back as he is the one player that has played nearly every match this season, and will benefit from the consistency.
Inacio will be tasked with watching the movement of Peter Shalulile while he is also an asset when defending or attacking a set piece, which Chiefs might need to rely on, given his height.
Gaston Sirino
Former Sundowns man Gaston Sirino has not played as much as Amakhosi fans would have liked since his arrival as a free agent this season with injuries also limiting his game time.
In a Chiefs team that has been struggling to impose themselves on opponents, Sirino has managed three goals and six assists and his experience will be needed against his former team as he is the man with an eye for a good pass that can break the Sundowns defence.
Glody Lilepo
Chiefs’ January signing Glody Lilepo has plenty of credit in the bank given he is among a few players at the club who have covered themselves in glory this season.
Lilepo’s pace and tenacity have been a joy to watch in the right wing for Chiefs and should be a problem for Sundowns on Sunday.
The Congolese winger has three goals and an assist for Chiefs but his impact has waned in the last two months given he last scored on February 18 during their 4-1 loss to SuperSport United.
