Downs not thinking about Cup final just yet
MAMELODI Sundowns are masters at preparing thoroughly for matches but have a date with fate at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, where this year’s Nedbank Cup final will be played.
The record shows that the final between Sundowns and Marumo Gallants is a repeat of last season’s semi-final, and that it will represent an opportunity for the Brazilians to secure an impressive treble.
Gallants, campaigning in 2021 as Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, defeated their more illustrious opponents 6-5 on penalties after extra time failed to separate the teams in a 0-0 draw at Loftus Versfeld in April last year.
Sundowns, nevertheless, dominated the semi-final and were impressive with intricate passing moves in midfield but failed to fashion clear-cut chances against a disciplined and well-organised TTM defence.
It was much the same story at the weekend when Sundowns survived against a stubborn Royal AM outfit who, in the end, surrendered 2-1 after a silly mistake at the death.
Nedbank’s marketing and corporate affairs executive Khensani Nobanda revealed unabashed enthusiasm regarding Royal Bafokeng Stadium hosting South Africa’s premier Cup final for the first time.
“We cannot wait to welcome fans back to a Nedbank Cup final, and what a venue to do just that,” said Nobanda.
“Over our 15 years of involvement with the tournament, we have endeavoured to take the final to as many venues as possible to benefit surrounding communities through the match, and to allow as many fans as possible to experience the showpiece.
“We are thus immensely proud to be taking the Nedbank Cup final to Royal Bafokeng Stadium for the first time.”
Apart from noting the 2021 semi-final defeat, Sundowns will also have considered that Gallants are coached by tactician Dan “Dance” Malesela, who has already won a Nedbank Cup final under extraordinary circumstances.
In the 2019 final, Malesela guided then GladAfrica Championship outfit TS Galaxy to a stunning win against Kaizer Chiefs in the final in Durban.
It was the first time in history that a lower-tier team defeated a Premiership side in the final.
Malesela will, therefore, be appearing in his second Nedbank Cup final. For Sundowns co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena, the final will be a “first” ... they have appeared in a final before as assistants.
Interestingly, this year’s finalists also represent the last two winners of the Nedbank Cup. Mokwena would not be drawn into discussing Sundowns’ chances in the final.
“We’ll think about Marumo Gallants as we get closer to the final,” said Mokwena.
“Both teams will be away, and because of the draw, we’re home. It’s a very good side, well-coached, and we watched them on Friday (in their semi-final, which they won 1-0 by beating TTM).”
Sundowns’ next assignment is in the Premiership against Sekhukhune United today before their big league clash against Kaizer Chiefs this weekend.
After winning a fifth consecutive Premiership title and the MTN8 earlier this season, the Pretoria-based team are chasing a domestic treble.
Mokwena, however, would not be drawn into the prospects of winning a third trophy this season.
“We don’t speak about it,” said Mokwena.
“We’ve got very important games to come, and it’s important we stay focused and try to win the next few games, and then deal with the final a bit later.
“We must be professionals. Sundowns is a club that expects us to win every match.
“For now, we’ll focus on the next four games, which are in the league, and we will try again to make sure we win them. Hopefully that momentum carries us into the final. We focus on all the games. At Sundowns we like to win all the games. There are no dead rubbers, there’s no excuse not to win any match.”