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Treble-chasing Sundowns eye Sekhukhune scalp in Ke Yona

rugby07 March 2025 16:43| © Backpage TXT
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Players of Mamelodi Sundowns © Gallo Images

Mamelodi Sundowns will go head to head with Sekhukhune United in Saturday's Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Kick-off is at 8pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Masandawana's five-match winning streak across all competitions was ended by Golden Arrows as the two teams drew 1-1 on Wednesday, but the Tshwane giants are undefeated in their last six matches.

Sundowns are looking to go one step further and win the Nedbank Cup after losing in last year's final, and they are chasing a treble as they are sitting at the top of the Betway Premiership table, having also reached the CAF Champions League quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Sekhukhune have blown hot and cold in their last four matches, having succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Richards Bay on Wednesday after securing a win over Milford in the Nedabnk Cup Round of 16.

Having reached the 2023 Nedbank Cup, where they lost to Orlando Pirates, Babina Noko are hoping that this is the year they finally win their first-ever major trophy by going all the way in the South African FA Cup.

TEAM NEWS

Mamelodi Sundowns have no suspension concerns, but Rivaldo Coetzee, Themba Zwane, Siyabonga Mabena, Mothobi Mvala and Ronwen Williams are all on the club's injury list.

Sekhukhune United, on the other hand, have parted ways with their head coach Lehlohonolo Seema and Sipho Mbule will miss this cup game due to Babina Noko's loan agreement with Sundowns.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso

“We believe it is a different match not only because it is a different competition, but it is one game that will decide who will go to the semifinal of the competition. We played them a few days ago and we expect a similar match to the previous one,” Cardoso said.

“Whatever the results from the previous match, they have nothing to do with how we feel the game will be played. We need to have a good attitude, know what we did well and what we need to take care of.

“We know well the strong points of Sekhukhune and we know how they can harm us. So, we need to control them and we have a strong intention regarding the outcome of the match.”

Sekhukhune United statement

"Sekhukhune United Football Club announce the departure of Head Coach Lehlohonolo Seema, with immediate effect," the club announced on Thursday.

"In light of this development, coaches Kaitano Tembo and Paulus Masehe will take on the responsibility of leading the team forward.

"The club thanks Coach Seema for his dedication and contribution during his time with us."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Mamelodi Sundowns: The left-footed attacker is unstoppable at the moment, having scored in each of his last three matches and he will be determined to fire Mansawana into the semifinals.

Shaune Mogaila, Sekhukhune United: The explosive right-back has provided an assist in each of his last two matches and he could be the player to play an important role in helping Babina Noko stun Masandawana.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (since 2021)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

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

CUP RECORD

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

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 Sundowns 2-0 Sekhukhune Maema, Zwane (pen)

2021/22 Sekhukhune 0-2 Sundowns Modiba, Shalulile

2022/23 Sekhukhune 1-1 Sundowns Mntambo; Shalulile

2022/23 Sundowns 2-0 Sekhukhune Shalulile, Mailula

2023/24 Sekhukhune 1-2 Sundowns Webber; Shalulile, Ribeiro

2023/24 Sundowns 2-1 Sekhukhune Matthews, Morena; Ohizu (pen)

2024/25 Sundowns 3-0 Sekhukhune Yamba (og), Sales (pen), Rayners

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 7 6 1 0 14 3

Sekhukhune 7 0 1 6 3 14

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