Sekhukhune United captain Linda Mntambo has warned his teammates of Cape Town City’s ‘front-foot’ style of football as the two sides prepare to do battle in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 competition at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3:00pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM:
With Sekhukhune and City gearing up for the 2024-25 campaign, this will be the first competitive fixture for the new season.
Training O' Clock ⏰
— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) August 7, 2024
Gearing up for Saturday's encounter against City
🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe pic.twitter.com/5jHJK0kBRR
Babina Noko gave a good account of themselves in the league last season, finishing in fourth position with 45 points to their name. City ended the 2023-24 league campaign in fifth position, level on points with the Limpopo outfit, with the two teams separated by just one goal in the goal difference count.
In last year’s edition of the MTN8 tournament, City suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs at the quarterfinal stage, while Babina Noko recorded a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Orlando Pirates in their initial fixture in the competition.
WHAT WAS SAID:
Speaking ahead of the tie, Sekhukhune United captain Linda Mntambo expects City to take the game to them as a side that plays on the front foot.
“It’s going to be an exciting fixture. We know what Cape Town City can bring on the day,” Mntambo said.
“Ever since they got their status from (Mpumalanga) Aces, they’ve never really changed their identity – they’ve always been a team that plays on the front foot.
“If you look at how they played last season and how they prevented Sundowns from an invincible season, that tells you how much of a good team they are.”
Over in Cape Town, City coach Eric Tinkler spoke glowingly of his side in expressing that they’ve assembled one of the best squads they've ever had.
“I know we put together a great squad back in 2016 but I think, all in all, the depth that we have currently in the squad is probably the best squad we’ve had at the club, which bodes well that you gonna have good players,” Tinkler mentioned.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Cape Town City: Haashim Domingo – As the new kid on the block, Domingo will no doubt be eager to impress this weekend. With the vision to unlock defenses, coupled with his ability to shoot from range, Domingo will be one of City’s key attackers this season.
Final preparations 👊#iamCityFC | #MTN8 pic.twitter.com/5mc5Su4O54
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 8, 2024
Sekhukhune United: Linda Mntambo – The hardworking midfielder was one of Babina Noko’s best players last season and will no doubt be counted on heading into the new season. With City being a possession-heavy outfit, Mntambo will be key in breaking up play in the middle of the park this Saturday.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
This will be the first cup meeting between Sekhukhune and City.
Last five League results:
2021-22 Cape Town City 2-1 Sekhukhune United
2022-23 Cape Town City 0-0 Sekhukhune United
2022-23 Sekhukhune United 0-1 Cape Town City
2023-24 Cape Town City 0-1 Sekhukhune United
2023-24 Sekhukhune United 2-2 Cape Town City