Will Mamelodi Sundowns join Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals?
NEDBANK CUP: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS VS MPHENI HOME DEFENDERS
Mamelodi Sundowns will face Limpopo’s ABC Motsepe League club, Mpheni Home Defenders, at Lucas Moripe Stadium at 15:00. Sundowns coach Cardoso spoke ahead of the match, emphasizing the importance of the moment. He highlighted the need to provide playing opportunities for those who haven’t featured much and to rest the players who are fatigued. “We need to perform at the highest level to progress and, at the same time, build a strong team,” he said via Vodacom Soccer. “We must also assess which players can handle the situation and plan ahead for future matches.”
Cardoso acknowledged the ambition of Mpheni Home Defenders, adding, “They come with a dream, but it’s our job to stop that dream from becoming a reality. We need to take this match seriously and focus on getting the right result.”
SPHELELE MKHULISE’S FUTURE AT SUNDOWNS
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise is reportedly attracting interest from clubs outside South Africa. According to Soccer Laduma, Algerian club CR Belouizdad and an unnamed Belgian team are monitoring the 28-year-old.
PRAISE FROM TEBEHO MOKOENA
Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star Teboho Mokoena has lavished praise on his teammate, Sphelele Mkhulise. Mokoena compared Mkhulise’s playing style to that of former Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, describing his natural talent as “effortless.” “I’ve been a fan of him since I first saw him play at Black Leopards,” Mokoena shared with iDiski Times. “He’s so good, and when you train with him every day, you see just how great he is. He can dribble, pass, and create chances. He’s so good that I feel people might not fully recognize his talent.”
Mokoena expressed admiration for Mkhulise’s style, drawing parallels to Iniesta and Sipho Mbule. “I love watching him with the ball, connecting with the defense, midfield, and attack,” he added.
