Menzi Magubane
It is a match that everyone was hoping to see: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
The two will meet on 15th April in a clash that most people predicted after the quarter-finals draw was conducted two weeks ago.
On Wednesday, Sundowns played their Nedbank Cup catch-up match against GladAfrica Championship outfit Polokwane City at Loftus Stadium in Tshwane.
It was a one sided affair as Downs ran riot on Rise and Shine to set up a date with the Buccaneers next month. That 4-0 win ensured that the Tshwane outfit were well on course to defend their Nedbank trophy.
It took them just 10 minutes to open up the scoring via the usual suspect, Peter Shalulile. Four minutes later Lebohang Maboe added another one for the home side.
While City were still trying to recover from those quick goals, Lesedi Kapinga made it 3-0 just a minute after Maboe scored.
The champions were 3-0 to the good within the first 15 minutes, and they weren’t finished yet.
Andile Jali scored a penalty to make it 4-0 in the 28th minute to conclude the thrashing, as Downs appeared not to be in the scoring mood in the second half.
Last time these two met was back in September 2020 while City were still playing in the Absa Premiership. Sundowns won that match by 3-0 on their way to clinching the league title.
Wednesday’s win was Sundowns 17th victory this season in all competitions. It was also their 23rd match unbeaten this season.
The last time Downs lost a match was on 18 October 2020 when they were defeated by Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in the MTN8. That was the opening match of the current season and have not lost a game since.
Other Nedbank Cup quarter-finals fixtures:
Saturday: Chippa United vs Richards Bay (Sisa Dukashe Stadium, 3.30pm)
Sunday: Cape Town All Stars vs Pretoria Callies (Danie Craven Stadium, 3pm), Black Leopards vs Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (Thohoyandou Stadium, 6pm).
