Former Zambian international striker Collins Mbesuma is eagerly anticipating the Nedbank Cup semi-final match between his former teams, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
The other Nedbank Cup semi-final will see Orlando Pirates take on Marumo Gallants at 15:00.
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‘Ntofontofo’, as he was affectionately known during his playing days, described the match as a massive battle between the two sides, likening it to a war situation.
“Every time these sides meet it’s always heated” he says.
“A cup match is a different ball game and it will be about which team carries the day.”
Notwithstanding Kaizer Chiefs’ inconsistent form this season, coupled with Mamelodi Sundowns’ superiority in their previous three encounters in the current campaign, Mbesuma believes that this match could have a different outcome.
“I know Sundowns have been dominating and doing well, but I believe that anything can happen in a cup game,” Mbesuma noted, adding, “and Chiefs can turn their season around with a win.”
‘Cup game mindset’
The once prolific striker emphasised the importance of the players’ attitude and mindset, stating, “They need to approach the match with a cup game mindset and a determination to come out victorious.”
Mbesuma, who famously scored a hat-trick against the Brazilians in a feisty seven-goal thriller at the same Loftus Versfeld in the 2004/2005 season, is confident that this match presents an opportunity for the players to showcase their quality and prove themselves worthy of playing for Kaizer Chiefs.
“I’m confident that they have the talent to go out there and make a statement. It’s time for them to step up and show what they’re capable of,” he said.
The former striker drew on his own experiences playing against the Tshwane side, recalling the confidence and mindset that he and his team-mates had when facing their foes.
“Playing against Sundowns was one of my exciting moments because we always wanted to prove a point. The current team must adopt a similar approach to what we had… just give it their all and leave everything on the field,” he concluded.
Who will come out on top in Sunday’s Nedbank Cup clash?
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