Mosa Lebusa emphasizes that Mamelodi Sundowns must approach their Carling Knockout Cup final clash against Magesi this weekend with respect.
The two teams will face off at the Free State Stadium on Saturday.
While the Brazilians are seasoned contenders in cup finals, this marks the newly promoted Betway Premiership club’s first opportunity to compete for a top-flight trophy.
Magesi stunned local fans by defeating Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy, and Richards Bay to earn their place in the final, while Downs advanced by overcoming Golden Arrows, Kaizer Chiefs, and Marumo Gallants.
Lebusa said in the Sowetan: “I think it will be suicidal to think they are a small team. Them being in the final speaks volumes, so we have to give them the respect and we have to acknowledge what they have done to reach the final.
“We have to respect them and at the same time not neglect the quality that we have. We are going there with our guns blazing to make sure that we put our hands on the trophy.”
Sundowns were knocked out of MTN8 at semi-final round, and are eager to make up for that defeat by securing the knockout cup trophy.
“Every season we set goals for ourselves, and I think this is one we can achieve,” added Lebusa.
“This morning [Wednesday] we did a video session about Magesi trying to see what we can exploit and we will definitely give them the respect they deserve. But finals are very tricky, and we also have to bring our A-game. It is going to be a tough one.”