Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise reveals that the Brazilians will be aiming to dominate Saturday's opponents and Nedbank Cup champions Orlando Pirates instead of seeking revenge when the two sides meet at Mbombela Stadium.
Downs and the Buccaneers will close off the 2023/24 local football season in a battle for the R7 million prizemoney in a Nedbank Cup showdown in Mbombela this Saturday.
This will be the second time that the Sea Robbers and Masandawana meet in a cup final this season as they clashed in the MTN8 where the Buccaneers claimed the bragging rights.
“As we approach this game, we know the objectives that we have because we want to dominate every competition. We are not looking for revenge, but it is just about sticking to the objectives that we have,” said Mkhulise.
“We all know that a game against Pirates because the last time we played them in the league we ended up playing a draw.
“They are confident and they believe that they can win against us. What is important for us is to prepare for the game and make sure that we are ready. What is important is that we win trophies.
“Both teams want to win this game and it will be competitive because we want the bragging rights, whether we are playing a league game or a cup game,” the 28-year-old added.
Sundowns come at the back of a bitter-sweet end to the DStv Premiership campaign where Cape Town City evaporated Downs’ hopes of going the entire season unbeaten.
The Mother City outfit stunned Sundowns 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, and Mkhulise has revealed that even though the club operates on a 24-hour rule – the wound is still fresh.
“We were not okay after the game because as Sundowns, we always want to dominate the ball and the results and if we don’t get three points, it is disappointing,” added Mkhulise.
“Even though we had already won the league, it was important to get three points against Cape Town City because we were playing at home. Even now, we have not recovered from that defeat,” Mkhulise concluded.
Kick-off for the sold-out affair is scheduled for 15:00.
Mbombela bound! ✈️#Sundowns #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/ssbUVQnuED
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 30, 2024
