Mamelodi Sundowns take on Bidvest Wits at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sport
Nedbank Cup Semi-Final
Saturday 8 August
Orlando Stadium
19:00
To Win (90 mins)
Sundowns 11/10
Draw 21/10
Bidvest Wits 5/2
Mamelodi Sundowns are gunning for a treble this season and they stand a good chance of winning the last two remaining trophies, the league and Nedbank Cup. The Brazilians have beefed up their technical courtesy of a sensational return of assistant coach Rulani Mokwena, who has served as the head coach of Orlando Pirates and Chippa United.
This will be their first match since Gaston Sirino’s suspension. The Uruguayan source of creativity is a terrific player, but coach Pitso Mosimane will have a lot of options to replace him with the likes of Sphelele Mkhulise, Nicholus Lukhubeni and Lebohang Maboe waiting in the wings to step up to the plate whenever they’re called upon. The arrival of George Maluleka from Kaizer Chiefs, who’s unfortunately cup-tied, has seen Oupa Manyisa vacate space and make a move to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.
On the other hand, there’s a lot happening at Bidvest Wits as the club have sold their PSL status to TTM, who will take over when the new season starts. However, coach Gavin Hunt has called on his players to show professionalism until the end: “So, it’s not only the physical but psychological issues to deal with. We’ll see how it goes and we will show professionalism until the end”, he told City Press.
There’s been rumours that some players are on strike, which were further fuelled by the fact that the team has promoted eight youngsters from the reserve team. Will the senior players, who might have agreed deals with other teams, give 100 percent? If they opt for the youngsters, will they manage to hold their own against the South African football powerhouse? This is an interestingly tough situation from Wits’ point of view and I think it will make things easy for Sundowns.
Prediction: Sundowns (11/10)
I don’t see any result besides a convincing Sundowns victory against a sitting duck. Come on, back the Brazilians!
