Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena expects a tough match against Maritzburg United in the Nedbank Cup.
The two teams face each other in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 on Sunday evening.
Masandawana last won the cup back in 2022 when they defeated Marumo Gallants 2-1 in the final.
Rulani’s side made light work of MM Platinum in the Nedbank Cup last 32 last month.
“We are looking forward to facing Maritzburg United, it should be a very interesting one, said the Downs coach
“They are a good team with PSL experience and they have very good players. They also have a very good coach who has very extensive experience in this competition and the PSL, so we will have to come well prepared in order to beat them.”
Rulani eyeing Nedbank Cup glory
Sundowns are yet to win a domestic trophy this season and will be eyeing the ‘Ke Yona’ cup.
“These games are very tough and the difficulty is everybody expects you to win, so the pressure is on you.”
“You have to be prepared and ensure that mentally you are in the right space. The players have to get into the expectation of the right performance. If we can perform to that level, then we’ll be fine,” Rulani said ahead of the Nedbank Cup fixture.
Sundowns are amongst the favourites to lift the cup but any slip-up could see them finish without a domestic cup.
Orlando Pirates are still in the competition having won it last season. They also defeated the Brazilians in the MTN8 final earlier in the season to collect their first trophy of the campaign.
If there’s one domestic cup which Rulani wants, it’s definitely the Nedbank Cup. The club has already bagged the African Football League title this season.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY ELIOT MAHLASE
[…] source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/03/16/rulani-expects-a-tough-nedbank-cup-game-against-maritzburg/ […]