Sundowns ready for Sekhukhune test after Nedbank Cup delay

After a lengthy delay, Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United will lock horns in their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal encounter at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Friday evening.

Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Sundowns lost their most recent Betway Premiership match against Orlando Pirates 2-1. However prior to that, the Brazilians were on a seven-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.

They advanced to the Nedbank Cup quarters after defeating Mpheni Home Defenders 2-0 on the 16th of February. As for Sekhukhune, the side is coming off the back of a 2-1 loss against Stellenbosch in the league.

Babina Noko booked themselves a spot in the Nedbank Cup quarters after defeating Milford 2-1. The team is also undergoing a period of change as Eric Tinkler was brought on as the head coach to replace Lehlohonolo Seema just before the international break.

WHAT WAS SAID

A number of Sundowns players were on international duty during the recent Fifa World Cup qualifiers and with having limited time to rest, goalkeeper Denis Onyango is confident that the side will manage.

“The preparations for the Nedbank Cup are going well, even though we would’ve loved to play a couple of weeks back,” Onyango said.

“The game was postponed, and we were already in camp. We slept there, and you know how it is when you prepare for a game. But we are looking forward to the game once again even though some guys were on the national teams.

“But they will come and join us for a few days, but we have no choice because we have to play. We have a lot of games that we have to play in terms of the league, Champions league, and the Nedbank Cup.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi Sundowns – The Brazilian was one of those who weren’t on international duty, and with his fine goal-scoring form, perhaps he will be “fresher” for the clash and possibly contribute to the home team’s goals.

Chibuike Ohizu, Sekhukhune United – The Nigerian forward scored in the loss against Stellenbosch, and will be hoping to make the difference for Babina Noko in the attack as they face last season’s runners-up in the Nedbank Cup.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

CUP RECORD

N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United.