Pressure on Pitso after Sundowns are knocked out of Telkom Cup

CHIPPA United, who took the big scalp of African Champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the opening round of the Telkom Knockout yesterday, will again enjoy home advantage when they host Kaizer Chiefs in the quarterfinals this coming weekend.

The Chilli Boys beat Sundowns for the first time in a top-flight clash, dominating play at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.

Former Brazilian Samuel Julies came off the bench to score with virtually his first touch to sink his ex employers. For Sundowns, the wheels seem to have come off as they battle to shake off their slump.

“Does this loss mean we are now a bad side? Not at all. We have to remember where we come from.

“I am the coach and have been here for five years. I know where we’ve gone wrong,” said Sundowns mentor Pitso Mosimane shortly after the narrow defeat.

The Brazilians still showed their quality, but couldn’t get the goals as strikers Thokozani Sekotlong, Khama Billiat and Percy Tau appeared to have left their scoring boots at home.

The loss was Sundowns’ third in a row – having been outclassed 2-1 by Kaizer Chiefs two weeks ago, and then by AmaZulu with the same scoreline a few days later.

Mosimane, who has won six trophies in his time as Downs coach, has indeed warned the club supporters to “buckle up” as their beloved team is set for a turbulent couple of months due to their poor domestic form. Sundowns were also recently eliminated from the CAF Champions League, losing to Wydad Casablanca on penalties after their quarterfinal ended 1-1 on aggregate.

In the other quarterfinal matches, Orlando Pirates will host Polokwane City, with a chance to avenge the league defeat from a few weeks ago at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Chippa hosting Chiefs is arguably the pick of the draw, although the other fixtures could also spring a few surprises.

The will also be a new champion crowned this year after Baroka FC eliminated holders Cape Town City.

Baroka will travel to Johannesburg to play Bidvest Wits.

The two teams faced each other in a league clash a week ago, which Wits won narrowly by 1-0.