Mamelodi Sundowns to lock horns with Sekhukhune United in Nedbank Cup quarterfinal

While Sundowns secured their last eight place with a 2-0 victory over Mpheni Home Defenders, Sekhukhune were granted a bye into this round after opponents Royal AM were suspended due to financial issues.

Under Miguel Cardoso, the Brazilians have continued to dominate the Betway Premiership this season, and currently lead the standings by 15 points, although second placed Orlando Pirates do have four games in hand.

The table-toppers are also through to the knockout rounds of the CAF Champions League, but in Sekhukhune they face a formidable opponent.

Now with Eric Tinkler at the helm, the club are hoping to build on the good work done by Lehlohonolo Seema that currently sees them occupy fifth place on the standings.

In their last game, on March 16, Sundowns lost 2-1 to Pirates, while Babina Noko went down 2-1 to Stellenbosch.

In the lead up to this game, Cardoso said the timing of the match could have an impact on their CAF Champions League encounter on Tuesday.

He said in the Citizen: “Our expectations were that we will play against Pirates and then prepare for the Champions League match with the right context in order to arrive in the first and second match in the best condition possible.”

Goalkeeper Denis Onyango added: “The preparations going into the Nedbank Cup are going well. We would’ve loved to have played a couple of weeks back. But the game was postponed when we were in camp.

“We’re looking forward to the game, even though some guys were with the national team. They will come in and join us for a few days. But we have no choice but to play. We have a lot of games that we need to play in the league, Champions League, and Nedbank Cup.

“The guys are looking forward to it. Everyone who has been given an opportunity must give their best because we’re all here to play. For me, I think the game on Friday will (just) give us one more match before we play the Champions League game.”