Baroka FC v Mamelodi Sundowns

3 November, New Peter Mokaba Stadium, 15h00

In the first of the three games on Saturday, Pitso Mosimane’s charges square up against a Wedson Nyirenda-led side that will welcome the challenge of trying to knock a big team out of a cup competition. However, they have found the going tough so far this season and Downs will be out to pile more misery on the home side. Mosimane is not likely to tamper much with his squad from the last game where they beat Chippa United 1-0, with Gaston Sirino expected to play a starring role.

One small mistake can cost us Talent Chawapiwa – Baroka FC winger

“It is a very big game for us against Mamelodi Sundowns. We just have to make sure that we are switched on for the whole 90 minutes and that we defend well on set-pieces. We just have to play our normal game and the good thing for us is that we are playing at our home ground, which does give us a bit of an advantage, but we still have to put in the extra work on the day. It’s one of those games that we look forward to and it’s a cup competition where we want to do well to progress. Sundowns are very tough to play against and they are going to come at us wanting to beat us, so as I said earlier, we need to be switched on for every minute of the game because one small mistake can cost us. I believe that we can win this one and do well for the club. Personally, I am looking forward to the game and I hope that I can make a good contribution and help Baroka FC make it through. It would be exciting for us and for our supporters if we can progress to the next round. We just have to plan well and make sure that we put those plans into action on the field. I think it’s going to be a good game.”

Pitso will field his best side John Tlale – Mamelodi Sundowns legend

“Honestly, I think in this one I will give Mamelodi Sundowns the edge over Baroka FC. I know that they have been struggling a bit with trying to get the new players to adapt and for everyone to gel. Taking nothing away Baroka, I really see Sundowns wanting to get through to the next round, so I think coach Pitso Mosimane is going to make sure that he fields his best side and that his players are switched on. As much as we might look at how they have been struggling to win some of their games, they still have quality players and they will be going all out for the win. Most of Baroka’s players are very speedy and they will want to have a go at Sundowns, which could work against them because Sundowns’ attack can be deadly when they are at their best, so it will be interesting to see that battle. Sundowns will stay compact and they have the players that can do that for them; they won’t want to allow their opponents space and to catch them on the counter. Obviously, Sundowns will be looking to progress in the competition because they know that their supporters want the team to get closer to getting some silverware for the season, so I am expecting to see them giving their all in this game. I know that is what they will be focusing on at training this week as they prepare for this match. It’s going to be a good one for the team to work on the minor mistakes they have been making over the past few games.”