WeeklySA_Admin
NEDBANK CUP LAST 6: WOE BETIDE MPHENI HOME DEFENDERS AFTER PAINFUL MIDWEEK LOSS TO TS GALAXY
By Masoja Cele
Mamelodi Sundowns are clear favourites to proceed to the next round of the Nedbank Cup after playing Mpheni Home Defenders FC in the last 16 of the Keyona Nedbank Cup on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria. Kick-off 15:00.
Though, the Brazilians are pitted against the minnows Mpheni FC. Somewhat, a team don’t just lose or apply to lose. But, the strength of any team is measured in the field of play. Bafana Ba Style are no different.
They are a legendary team and they are expected to do what is highly expected of them against the ABC Motsepe League participants. That would be to win, of course. The Tshwane side has won the tournament on 6 occasion the last being the 2022 edition against Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Last season they lost 2-1 to Orlando Pirates in the final.
Since the arrival of the Portuguese gaffer Miguel Cardoso who took over from Manqoba Mnqithi, the team has rediscovered the form that made them dominant in local football for the past 7 years.
The former Esperance Tunis boss has brought stability to the team that was disjointed under Mnqithi. He has executed a remarkable and rewarding style of play in the Downs team. A win against the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League side will further increase the chances for the manager to advance towards the final.
The Brazilians playing personnel were ruthless in the past weekend against Orlando Pirates in a league match. The score line summed it all (4-1). But, three days later they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at TS Galaxy in a league fixture.
Bafana Ba Style in form player Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s swagger has immediate translated into success. The Brazilian born attacker have been a constant performer ever since his arrival in 2023. He has become a trustworthy destructive weapon against any opposition.
In the engine room Teboho Mokoena, Marcel Allende and Aubrey Modiba, are all equally volatile ball artist. It’s a known fact that Sundowns provides most of the players to the Bafana Bafana team, just to highlight the amount of genius and ability in the Downs team. Mpheni FC who plied their trade in the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League qualified for the round of 16 after beating Motsepe Foundation Championship side Hungry Lions 3-1. A clear indication that they are not in the tourney to add numbers.
The Limpopo side are regular participant in the Keyona Trophy. In the 2023 edition they were knocked out by the Premiership side Chippa United 2-0 in the last 16 phase.
Frequently, minnows tend to showcase their best football when pitted against big teams in the Nedbank Cup preliminary rounds, so to impress the opposition dugout with the view of getting professional contracts.
Playing against the Brazilians will automatically motivates the lads from ABC Motsepe division. Mpheni FC owner and coach Sydwell Phuravhathu will rely on the midfield pair of Sonwabile Mfecane and Lufuno Mulaudzi to open pocket spaces for frontmen Thatho Mboweni and Muhluri Hlungwani.
The two were in a menacing mood against Lions grabbing a goal apiece.
