This Sunday is likely to mark the end of the road for Mpheni Defenders in their Nedbank Cup campaign. They have been drawn against Betway Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns, whom they will face at the Lukas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.
In an interview after their match against Hungry Lions at Thohoyandou Stadium three weeks ago, Defenders head coach Sydwell Phuravhathu stated that his team was ready to take on Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates in the last-16 round, and he had hoped for a home-ground advantage. Instead, Phuravhathu got more than he had bargained for in the form of Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, Phuravhathu insists that playing against Sundowns is not a big deal for him. His main concern is that it will be an away fixture. He issued a warning to Sundowns, saying his team would not show their more experienced opponents any respect on the field. He remains adamant that Sundowns will be in for a big surprise if they underestimate Defenders on Sunday.
Sundowns are in high spirits, following their 4-1 victory over Orlando Pirates last Saturday. They had previously beaten Sibanye Gold FC 5-2 to secure their place in the last-16 round. Meanwhile, Defenders were held to a 1-1 draw by White Vultures last Saturday.
Elsewhere, Durban City will host TS Galaxy at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban. Durban City currently lead the Motsepe Foundation Championship League and are coming off a 1-0 victory over Venda Football Club at the same venue last Friday.
Kaizer Chiefs will take on Chippa United at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Chiefs secured a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in their league match at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town last Friday evening. Stellenbosch FC will now face Polokwane City at the Danie Craven Stadium outside Cape Town.
Other fixtures include SuperSport United vs Cape Town Spurs; Orlando Pirates vs Baroka FC; Sekhukhune United vs Royal AM/Milford FC; and Marumo Gallants vs AmaZulu FC.