Head coach Rulani Mokwena is well aware that his Mamelodi Sundowns side will need to be at their very best If they are to secure a treble of titles with a win over Orlando Pirates in a highly-anticipated Nedbank Cup final.
Masandawana have set a date with rivals Pirates on June 1 at the Mbombela Stadium, in what is expected to be an enthralling affair as two of the best teams in the country will battle for another piece of silverware this term.
Downs are the inaugural African Football League champions while they also clinched the DStv Premiership.
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, have the MTN8 in their cabinet and now aim to bag back-to-back cup doubles.
The Brazilians have half a dozen games to play before the final, and Mokwena has sent a message to the likes of Golden Arrows, Royal AM and TS Galaxy, who are some of the teams Downs will face before June 1.
“We have to arrive for that game in a good space. That’s the most important thing. We need to arrive there in good confidence and good form.
“That’s the best way to arrive in a final, knowing that you are going to play against a good side,” Mokwena told members of the media.
Sundowns, however, are still bleeding from the disappointment of missing out on the Caf Champions League where they were booted out by Esperance in the semi-final.
Even if the serial DStv Premiership winners end the season with a treble, Mokwena says there is nothing that can fill the void of failing to secure Africa’s grandest inter-club title.
“I’m still reeling. Someone tried to console me and said ‘You got a double already, so why are you still reeling’.
“I feel like I’ve let this group down because it is my job to lead and when we fail it is my job to stand in front and assume the responsibility. I don’t think it (league and cup double) will make up for it,” said the Downs mentor.
Sundowns will return to league action this Wednesday against Abafana Bes’thende, where the Brazilians continue their course to finish the season unbeaten.
Good morning #NedbankCup finalists! 👋🗣#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/Hefgc1gXhR
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 6, 2024
