Mamelodi Sundowns and Milford FC will meet competitively for the first time, with Masandawana looking to maintain their strong early-season form and the Premiership newcomers aiming to extend their impressive start.
Sundowns have scored eight goals in their last two matches, following a 5-2 league victory over AmaZulu with a 3-2 MTN8 semi-final second-leg win against Golden Arrows on Sunday. That result sent them through to the final against Orlando Pirates after they overturned a first-leg deficit.
Cardoso’s side have won three and drawn one of their opening four league matches, scoring 11 goals, although their defence has shown vulnerability.
“Again we suffered goals from a mistake on a ball that we used, something the boys really need to take into consideration because we’re being penalised individually for mistakes,” Cardoso said.
READ: Miguel Cardoso hails Mamelodi Sundowns Positive Mindset After Dramatic MTN8 Final Qualification
The Portuguese coach nevertheless praised his players’ effort, adding: “It’s very difficult for me to complain about a player that loses the ball but run for 90 minutes and put in so much effort.”
Milford have made a strong impression in their first Premiership campaign, collecting seven points from four matches to sit fifth.
After losing 2-0 to defending champions Pirates on the opening weekend, they beat Siwelele and Kruger United before drawing 0-0 with Polokwane City. Their win over Kruger was particularly notable, as they came from behind despite playing more than half the match with 10 men.
They have conceded just three goals, with coach Xanti Pupuma crediting continuity for their promising start.
“I think the fact that we didn’t change a lot, I think we added like four or five players and most of the regulars have been playing together for almost two seasons and that makes it easy,” Pupuma said.
He added that his players are beginning to believe they can compete at this level.
Khoza expects Milford to provide an energetic, counter-attacking challenge.
“Of course, from this side we are expecting a very energetic team, very counter-attacking play,” the Sundowns defender said. “So I think they are going to come with a lot of energy, and we are very ready for them.”
Sundowns will look to Cassius Mailula, who has scored four goals across league and cup competitions this season, while Milford will rely on midfielder Thabana Mabena, who scored against Kruger and impressed in the draw with Polokwane.
The gulf in experience favours Sundowns, but Milford’s early-season resilience means the hosts may have to work hard to break down the league’s latest newcomers.