The Nedbank Cup title defence by Mamelodi Sundowns took another step forward as they defeated Polokwane City in the Last 16 at home. Masandawana showed their dominance in the opening stages of the first half as they wrapped the game by slotting four goals past Rise and Shine. Goals were scored by Peter Shalulile, Lebo Maboe, Lesedi Kapinga and Andile Jali. The win sets up a mouth-watering clash against Orlando Pirates in the last eight.
Coach Manqoba Mngqithi spoke about the game and said: “We wanted to put a lot of pressure on them to force errors so they can give us scoring opportunities and I think that happened in the first fifteen minutes. We were already up and kept on pushing the whole first half, I was impressed with the first half in terms of application and the conversation rate of the chances we got.”
Masandawana scored all the goals in the first half and managed to keep a clean sheet.
“In the second half we started looking at the game against Stellenbosch and we are giving a chance to the players who have not been playing regularly a chance. The game intensity dropped drastically, our coordination was lost. Some of the players came in and played but our way of playing, position, penetration and dominance were not clinical as the first half. One is encouraged by the number of goals and another clean sheet”.
Two of the goalscorers Lesedi Kapinga and Andile Jali opened up their accounts for the club this season with ‘AJ’ slotting home from the penalty spot. “Andile, the penalty he took, that is his trademark, he always does that even at training. Sometimes our goalkeepers do catch it as they know his angles. He is a very important player in the team, he adds a lot of value, he has the right level of arrogance that you need in a player so that he can dominate the midfield”
Next up for the Brazilians is a clash against Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Premiership on Saturday at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Some of the players came in and played but our way of playing, position, penetration and dominance were not clinical as the first half.
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hence we couldn’t get just a single goal in the second half. I am worried of Domingo’ sharpness.He is too quite sometimes when given a chance to prove himself.He should know that the likes of Maluleke,Keke,Mvala are waiting impatiently to make a starting line up in that middle field.
Otherwise thanks to the coaches for giving everyone a run while resting regulars in the game against Polokwane.
Focus should indeed be on Stellenbosch FC.What I know is that they can be stubborn sometimes those Stellies. They need an injury-free team,especially that we deafeated them in our last encounter in the Nedbank last 32.Revenge is what is running in their blood now.Goodluck to KBY