Mokwena pays respect to Maritzburg ahead of Nedbank Cup tie

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena believes that Maritzburg United’s experience at the highest level will be a crucial factor in his preparation for their upcoming round-of-16 clash in the Nedbank Cup on Sunday.

Kick-off at the Lucas Moripe Stadium is at 6:00pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

En route to the Nedbank Cup round of 16, Sundowns recorded a commanding 6-1 win over Motsepe Foundation Championship side La Masia on 20 February.

With Uruguayan star Gaston Sirino scoring a hat-trick, solitary strikes by Matias Esquivel, Terrence Mashego and Lebohang Mabie completed the scoreline at the Dobsonville Stadium.

The Team of Choice on the other hand, qualified for the round of 16 courtesy of a 3-0 win over Paarl United at the Princess Magogo Stadium on 25 February.

Goals by Bantu Chingi, Reagan van der Ross and Andiswa Sithole saw Maritzburg overpower the Safa Men’s Regional League outfit who were unable to pull off a customary Nedbank Cup upset.

WHAT WAS SAID

“I must say it's a terrible draw for us, looking at where we are and where Sundowns are, looking at everything that they have, the quality that is there,” Maritzburg coach Simo Dladla said.

“But I believe that we have talent and this year we have turned the corner in terms of our performances. I've already benefited from the draw because everyone wants to play this type of game.”

“We are looking forward to facing Maritzburg United, it should be a very interesting one. They are a good team with PSL experience, and they have very good players,” Rulani Mokwena said.

“They also have a very good coach (Simo Dladla) who has very extensive experience in this competition and the PSL, so we will have to come well-prepared in order to beat them.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mamelodi Sundowns: Sipho Mbule - Mokwena could look to reshuffle his pack this weekend, with Mbule being one of his best midfield options in this regard. Able to unlock defences with his trickery, Mbule is also a goal threat from deep positions in the middle of the park.

Maritzburg United: Judas Moseamedi - Known as the 'Kaizer Chiefs slayer' during his time in the PSL,  Moseamedi heads into the next game as one of Maritzburg United’s most experienced players. Whether as a starter or from the bench, Sundowns defenders will brace themselves for a physical encounter with the powerful forward.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: Last five Cup meetings

2010-11 Telkom KO Quarter-Final Maritzburg 2-0 Sundowns

2011-12 Nedbank Cup Quarter-Final Sundowns 2-0 Maritzburg

2017-18 MTN8 Quarter-Final l Sundowns 0-1 Maritzburg

2017-18 Nedbank Cup Semi-Final Maritzburg 3-1 Sundowns

2019-20 Telkom KO Final Maritzburg 1-2 Sundowns