Menzi Magubane
The gloves are off as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates promise a great matchup in their long-awaited Nedbank Cup quarter-final tie on Thursday.
This clash, taking place at the Loftus Stadium in Tshwane, was originally scheduled to take place over a month ago but it was postponed due to both clubs’ involvement in the CAF tournament.
Bucs captain Happy Jele told the media on Tuesday that, as much as they respect Masandawana, he promised it won’t be an easy duel for them.
“We respect them but on the day it’s a game, a game we are going to fight as Orlando Pirates. We want to get the result that will see us through to the next round and it’s not going to be easy for them,” said Jele.
The skipper knows the pain of losing to Sundowns, even though he was absent when Pirates lost 1-0 to Downs in January in the DStv Premiership at the same venue.
He insisted that Thursday’s match isn’t about revenge.
“It’s just a game, not a revenge. What is important is that it’s a competition, it’s either you are in or you are out. So, it’s not about revenge. We just wanna go through to the semi-final,” added Jele.
Meanwhile, fearless Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has predicted how Pirates are likely to line-up against them.
“The only conundrum is the good performance against Al Ahli Benghazi in the CAF Confederation Cup of Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini. They both did well and scored in the 3-0 win. That is the biggest conundrum possibly for them,” said Mokwena.
“But other than that, I can give you the Pirates line-up. I think we all know, more or less, who would play against us.”
Both teams are heading into this clash with their heads held high after winning their respective last matches.
The winner of this clash will host Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the semi-final on Sunday.
Picture source: @Masandawana
