The University of Pretoria (Tuks) is determined to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ hopes of securing a quadruple when they meet in the Nedbank Cup this Friday.
Sundowns face their neighbours, Tuks in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals but the Motsepe Foundation Championship side is gunning to inflict pain on their cross-town rivals. The Brazilians are dominating in the domestic space as they are unbeaten in the league and look to reach the semi-finals of the Ke Yona competition.
For the MFC outfit, Tuks are now targeting Sundowns scalp and coach Tisane Motaung is calling on his players to rise to the occasion and shine against Sundowns.
Tuks vs Sundowns Match Details:
- Date: Friday 12, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM SAST
- Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria
Tuks: The Tshwane-based side, Tuks are in high morale heading to this encounter after beating another DStv Premiership side, Moroka Swallows in the previous stage. Their coach, Motaung is challenging his men to fight for the badge and reach the next stage of the tournament despite facing a big gun such as Sundowns. The hosts come to this clash motivated by a 1-0 win over Casric Stars in the Motsepe Championship.
Sundowns: Changing focus to the reigning DStv Premiership champions, Sundowns are also in high spirits as they also registered a slender 1-0 win over Cape Town Spurs. Masandawana secured three wins in a row across all competitions and their target is to bag four trophies in one season. They already have the African Football League, they are almost close to retaining the league – and have reached the semi-finals of the lucrative CAF Champions League.
Tuks vs Sundowns Key Battles To Watch:
Thabiso Mokoena vs Lucas Ribeiro: Mokoena is one of the most seasoned campaigners for Tuks and his job will be to close down Sundowns strikers such as Ribeiro. The 31-year-old has been around the South African top flight for a while having also played for Black Leopards and FC Cape Town. For the Brazilians, there’s no doubt that Ribeiro is on fire and they can’t bench their talisman. Ribeiro was on target against Spurs and Young Africans.
Tebogo Mohlamonyane vs Khuliso Mudau: Mohlamonyane is one of the key players for the varsity side, Tuks and coach Motaung will pin his hopes on him. The 24-year-old winger has featured in three Nedbank Cup matches and boasts a single goal next to his name. Mudau, on the other hand, brings stability and pace down the right flank for Masandawana. The former Lidoda Duvha star is currently enjoying a rich vein of form and will look to provide all the options upfront for the visitors.
Tuks vs Sundowns Head to Head:
In previous meetings, the two sides have crossed their paths on eight occasions. As expected, Sundowns are the ones enjoying an upper hand with five wins, three matches were drawn and Tuks are yet to register a win so far.
Tuks vs Sundowns Coaches:
Tisane Motaung: The astute manager will now look to test his abilities and quality against a star-studded Sundowns come Friday night. Motaung has proven himself as one of the most gifted managers in the Motsepe Foundation as they sit second on the log behind Magesi FC.
Rulani Mokwena: Mokwena has just reached a milestone of 100 points since taking over the coaching reins at Chloorkop last year. The young coach and student of the game, Mokwena also targets his maiden Champions League, Nedbank after winning the AFL title.
Tuks vs Sundowns What The Teams Said:
Tisane Motaung: “They see this as an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the great players on the continent but I don’t doubt any of the players because they are looking forward to this wonderful opportunity,” he said.
“They are aware that this opportunity can change their lives. Earlier I spoke about players like Andile Jali, Aubrey Ngoma, and Mthokozisi Yende who were unknown and they used this type of platform [to get noticed]. Our players see this as an opportunity to be counted.”
Tuks vs Sundowns Fan Sentiments:
Sundowns will also bank on their fans to rally behind the team as their mission is to conquer the Capital City. With confidence high in their camp and based on previous statistics between the clubs, Sundowns have a chance to win it but they must tread carefully against the so-called giant killers.
Tuks vs Sundowns Prediction:
Because of their pedigree and quality in their dressing room, Sundowns are favourites to win this encounter, however, it will be risky to overlook the hosts, Tuks.
Tuks vs Sundowns What’s Next:
As things stand, Sundowns are scheduled to face Swallows on Monday but it seems the Birds have agreed to reschedule and give Sundowns time to prepare for their Champions League semi-final tie. On the other hand, Tuks will return to their league assignments and meet Maritzburg United on April 16.
Related: Spurs vs Sundowns Review: Log Leaders Add More Woes On Spurs
