Mamelodi Sundowns have been drawn against Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Diski Shield semi final Cup Competition taking place on Saturday, 16 July at the Giant Stadium in Pretoria. Masandawana won their quarter final clash against Orlando Pirates 2-1 to book their place in the top four of the competition, meanwhile their opponents Chiefs earned their spot in the Shield semi-finals with a 4-2 win over SuperSport United.
“On Saturday we are playing against Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-final of the Shield Cup, [it’s going to be a] very, very interesting game. Our games against Kaizer Chiefs are always interesting, we know that they are a team that is also forward oriented and willing to play good football and I’m anticipating a very open game.” Said Masandawana’s Diski team coach, Surprise Moriri.
“The boys know that for us to give ourselves the chance to be in the final we really have to make sure that first we play well, and also make sure that we compete when the game demands us to compete. In terms of the 1v1 duels, it has to start there with competing and make sure that everyone that is on the pitch wins their duels. We are looking forward to the game, the preparations are going very well and we are looking forward to a very good game.”
After playing to a goalless draw in the first half, Cassius Mailula struck twice in the second half to help Masandawana advance to the next round of the Shield Cup competition. Coach Surprise was full of praise for the 21-year old attacking midfielder:
“Cassius had a good performance on Saturday by scoring two goals, but besides him scoring those goals he worked really hard and made sure that he leads from the front and also encouraged the boys.”
“He’s one player that is reliable upfront, he is really working hard in making sure that we keep the team together and encourage the boys around him. It was good to see him lead the team on the weekend and I think it was a good call for us to make sure that we give him the armband so that he can lead from the front .”
Masandawana are looking to clinch the trophy after losing out 2-1 in the final round in 2019 to Golden Arrows who won the decorated Diski Shield competition at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. The Brazilians Coach is familiar with the expectations of the tournament.
“It’s good that we qualified for the semi-finals, but I must say that it was a very difficult game against Orlando Pirates especially considering the fact that it was our first official game and you will never know how the game will go. I think the boys came to the party, we did the job and we are in the semi final. Everyone is happy, the boys are happy but we know that we still have to do our best to make sure that we qualify for the finals.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Diski Shield Cup semi final on Saturday, 16 July at Giant Stadium. Kick off is at 12h30, live on SuperSport.
