As one of the key fixtures in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16, TS Galaxy and Mamelodi Sundowns will meet at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday afternoon in their bid to go all the way in the popular competition.
CURRENT FORM
Sundowns claimed a vital 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates in their latest Betway Premiership fixture on Wednesday night, and the Brazilians will once again shift their focus to cup duties this weekend.
While Sundowns are three points behind log leaders Orlando Pirates in the league, the Tshwane-giants will compete in the Nedbank Round of 16 following their 2-1 win against Gomora United in the Round of 32, in a game that took place at Loftus Versfeld on 4 February.
The Rockets endured a sticky spell lately, particularly in the Betway Premiership where they recorded three consecutive losses against AmaZulu, Sekhukhune United and Durban City respectively.
As Galaxy occupies eighth position on the league table, the Rockets progressed to the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 courtesy of a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on 8 February.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking after Downs’ win over Pirates, Miguel Cardoso believes his side is performing better during a crucial part of the campaign.
"We just focus on the championship, nothing more. Already, [the] match in the Nedbank Cup, let’s move on," Cardoso said.
"I’m sure everybody is closer now... Our mentality was to always try match-by-match, believing on us, we don’t need to rely on anyone," he continued.
"Okay, now we’re a little bit better. The team is the same that started the season, transformed obviously due to work, we need to believe in our supporters to stand by our side."
As for TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic, the Bosnian urged his side to focus on their nearest assignments following the win over Marumo Gallants in the Round of 32.
“I am happy that my team advanced to the next round. We will take it game by game, and we will see from there,” Beganovic said.
“We knew that it was going to be a difficult game, and we wanted to save our energy and control the game throughout the 90 minutes.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
TS Galaxy: Mlungisi Mbunjana – The 35-year-old grabbed the Man of the Match award against Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup last time out and will be a central figure for his side coming up against a well-drilled Downs team on Saturday. As the heartbeat for his side, Mbunjana will be tasked to disrupt any kind of passing rhythm by the Downs midfielders.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Brayan Leon – As a player in hot form for Sundowns at the moment, Leon will be eager to continue his positive showing in front of goal this weekend. After netting a brace against Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership this week, Galaxy will no doubt be on high alert in facing the Colombian, given his movement on the edge of the area.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the first meeting between Galaxy and Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup.
OVERALL:
Games: 12
TS Galaxy wins: 3
Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 8
Draws: 1