Mamelodi Sundowns forward Thabiso Kutumela is itching to play a part in the Nedbank Cup final as the club chases a treble. Sundowns were crowned DStv Premiership champions and MTN8 winners and will be looking to cap off a successful domestic season with the Nedbank Cup on Saturday at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
They take on a resilient Marumo Gallants side, and Kutumela has warned that they cannot be taken lightly.
“Our journey as Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup this season has been a very good one. We have always taken it one game at a time, we were focused on winning each game as it came, and we respected the opponent no matter where they were from, even a team from the SAB – we remained professional throughout,” he told Sundowns’ website.
The Brazilians began their campaign with a 4-0 win over newly-promoted Richards Bay before putting Mathaithai FC to the sword, scoring seven goals. In the quarter-final, they trounced Clinton Larsen’s Summerfield Dynamos 6-0.
Royal AM were unable to stop them in the semi-final as they won the tie 2-1 courtesy of goals from Aubrey Modiba – who was subsequently nominated as one of the tournament players – and Pavol Safranko.
“What I’ve learnt from the Nedbank Cup is that there are no draws, and teams can’t take one point each. There has to be a winner, and if you respect your opponents, whether they’re from the NFD, and play according to the coaches’ instructions, then you can win all the games, and that’s how we were able to win our games to reach the final,” added Kutumela.
“We have to respect Marumo Gallants and not undermine them even though they haven’t managed to make it into the top 8 in the league. They’ve had a good season and were consistent in the Nedbank Cup; they are not here by luck. They’ve worked hard. We have to respect them to win our game and take our chances.”
Kutumela has two goals in the Ke Yona Cup this season. Downs have scored 17 goals in four matches on their way to the final.
“The goals I’ve scored in this tournament result from me wanting to earn a spot to play in the final. My goal is to score and create so that we can win this tournament. There has to be a winner in the final, so I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help the team win this game to win our third trophy this season and complete the domestic treble.”
Saturday’s final will kick off at 18H00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Channel 202 and on SABC1.
