The highly anticipated Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Sekhukhune United promises to be an exciting encounter, as Sekhukhune aim to make history by securing their first-ever victory over the reigning champions.
Match Overview
- Date: Saturday, 8 March 2025
- Kick-Off Time: 20:00 (SAST)
- Venue: Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium
- TV Channel: SS 202
Mamelodi Sundowns FC:
- Position: 1st in the Betway Premiership
- Recent Form: Mamelodi Sundowns are in top form, boasting a strong attacking lineup and solid defense. They have been dominant in both domestic competitions and are favorites to win the Nedbank Cup.
- Cup History: Mamelodi Sundowns FC have a rich history in the competition, having won the Nedbank Cup six times, with their most recent title in 2022. They are chasing their seventh cup victory and will want to continue their successful run.
- Key Players:
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa: The forward is in sensational form, having scored 13 goals this season, including a streak of three consecutive matches with a goal. Costa is crucial to Sundowns’ attacking play and will be a major threat to Sekhukhune’s defense.
- Other key players: Sundowns have a deep squad with Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners, who contribute to creative playmaking.
Sekhukhune United:
- Position: 4th in the Betway Premiership
- Recent Form: Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Richards Bay, Sekhukhune have been solid throughout the season and are positioned well in the league. However, they have struggled against Sundowns in their previous meetings.
- Cup History: Sekhukhune United are still searching for their first-ever victory against Sundowns. They reached the Nedbank Cup final in 2023 but fell short, losing to Orlando Pirates. Their journey this year has seen them advance to the quarterfinals after a 2-0 win over Milford FC.
- Key Players:
- Keletso Makgalwa: The midfielder has been a standout performer for Sekhukhune this season, contributing 8 assists and 4 goals in the league. A former Sundowns player, Makgalwa will be extra motivated to prove himself against his old club.
- Other key players: Sekhukhune’s defensive line must remain organized and compact to limit Sundowns’ attacking threats.
Head-to-Head Record:
- Total Meetings: 7
- Mamelodi Sundowns Wins: 6
- Sekhukhune United Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
Match Preview:
Sekhukhune United face an uphill battle as they look to make history in their quest for a first-ever win over Mamelodi Sundowns. The last meeting between the two sides ended 4-2 in Sundowns’ favor on 26 February 2025, which further solidified their dominance in head-to-head encounters. Sundowns have proven to be a juggernaut in South African football and will be looking to continue their dominance in this Nedbank Cup clash.
Sekhukhune United, on the other hand, will take heart from their resilience in the league and their solid progression to the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals. They will need to tighten up defensively, as they have conceded 23 goals in the Premiership this season, to stand any chance of withstanding the attacking onslaught from Sundowns.
Tactics & Key Battle:
- Sundowns’ Attack vs Sekhukhune’s Defense: The key battle will be between Sundowns’ potent attack, led by Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Peter Shalulile, and Sekhukhune’s defense, which has shown vulnerability this season. Sekhukhune will need to mark Costa tightly and limit Shalulile’s space in and around the penalty area. Additionally, goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangaré will be a critical figure in this match.
- Midfield Control: Sekhukhune’s hope lies in midfield maestro Keletso Makgalwa, who will need to create chances and help his side transition quickly from defense to attack. Makgalwa’s ability to deliver key passes and get on the scoresheet could be the difference-maker for Sekhukhune. However, he will be up against Sundowns’ strong midfield, including Mokoena, who is adept at breaking up opposition attacks.
- Set Pieces: With both teams boasting aerial threats, set pieces could prove to be a deciding factor in this match. Sundowns have height and strength in players like Malibongwe Khoza and Mosa Lebusa, while Sekhukhune’s defenders will need to be disciplined to avoid conceding from dead-ball situations.
What’s at Stake:
- For Mamelodi Sundowns: A win would secure their place in the semifinals and bring them a step closer to claiming a seventh Nedbank Cup title. They will be focused on continuing their strong form and maintaining their pursuit of silverware in multiple competitions.
- For Sekhukhune United: This match presents an opportunity for Sekhukhune to make history. They have never defeated Sundowns, but a victory in this cup tie would not only represent a historic moment for the club but would also put them one step closer to avenging their 2023 final loss. The stakes are high, and they will be highly motivated to end Sundowns’ cup dominance.
Check also: Nedbank Cup Quarter-Final Preview: SuperSport United vs. Orlando Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns go into this quarterfinal as the clear favorites, but Sekhukhune United will be determined to defy the odds. Sundowns have been exceptional in the league and cup competitions, and their depth of talent should prove too strong for Sekhukhune. However, Sekhukhune’s fight, particularly from Makgalwa and their defensive resilience, could make for an interesting contest.
Prediction: Sundowns 3-1 Sekhukhune United
This tie is likely to be closely contested for the first 60 minutes, but Sundowns’ superior quality and attacking depth should eventually see them through to the semifinals. However, if Sekhukhune can harness the energy of their key players and make the most of set-pieces, they could cause an upset.
