Marumo Gallants will host Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup last 16 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
The game will kick-off at 18:00.
Both teams go into tomorrow’s encounter on the back of gruelling continental showdowns in North Africa, with Sundowns having played to a 2-2 draw in Egypt, while Gallants lost 2-0 to USM Alger.
While they had contrasting fortunes in the CAFCL and CAFCC respectively, the Nedbank Cup match up will be a whole different ball game where previous results matter less.
The Ke Yona Cup is famous for producing famous upsets, and tomorrow’s encounter is not immune to a shock result.
Also Read: French Move Too Early For Mailula?
The fact of the matter is
Even though Marumo Gallants are rooted at the bottom of the Dstv Premiership log table, they have recently shown signs of major improvement after the addition of the experienced Dylan Kerr to their technical team.
After a run of eight straight matches without a win in the league, a change in their coaching department saw them beating an in-form Sekhukhune United 2-0 on February 4, before brushing aside Magesi 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup round of 32.
The rejuvenated Bahlabane Ba Ntwa went on to thump Al Akhdar 4-1, and Saint Eloi Lupopo 2-1 away from home, before going down 2-0 to USM Alger last weekend.
The Nedbank Cup game gives them an opportunity to get back on the winning horse, and show that their recent good results are not accidental.
Playing against Mamelodi Sundowns, a team that hasn’t lost a game in ages means they need no motivation to pull off a famous victory, with the Ke Yona Cup being famous for being a fertile ground for upsets, anything is possible tomorrow.
They will look to their in-form forward, Chivaviro, and his strike partner, Koapeng to inspire the team to victory, with the sensational Ngema providing the supply from the midfield.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, Cassius Mailula, Peter Shalulile, and Themba Zwane will be key as the Brazilians look to keep their winning momentum going under Rulani Mokwena, who hasn’t lost a game since taking over the head coaching reigns earlier this season.
Also Read: Cassius Mailula: Fan Views On His French Ligue One Interest
In a nutshell
On paper, Mamelodi Sundowns should have no trouble brushing aside Marumo Gallants.
They are undoubtedly a quality side, having left football fans in awe with their performance against Al Ahly away from home.
But this is the Nedbank Cup, a tournament full of surprises, and there might be another one on the cards tomorrow.
Fan views on the game:
@MabebengAbram
For them to win next league games they must start by beating this elephant to boost their confidence plus final Gallants was robbed via that wrong red card to Ndlondlo instead of giving Ngema yellow card. Maybe it’s payback time.
@MS_Sharpeville
It’s even between the two in the #NedbankCup. Both matches went into extra time. Sundowns are playing away, and therefore make it even. Sundowns to knick it.
@daniel_taps
Gallants would want to focus more on the league rather than Nedbank so feel like Sundowns would see this one out.