Modise and Frederick pick players likely to shine in the Nedbank Cup final
PSL legends Teko Modise and Stanton Fredericks have picked the players they believe will have a great impact in the final of the Nedbank Cup.
Rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will lock horns on Saturday, 1 June at a soldout Mbombela Stadium. The much anticipated final is at 3pm.
This will be the fourth time Masandawana and the Bucs are facing each other this season. They met in the MTN8 final at the beginning of the season. Pirates won 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. In the DStv Premiership, Sundowns won 1-0, then drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture.
In the Nedbank Cup, both sides have enjoyed a great run to reach the final. Pirates edged Chippa United 3-1 in the semis, and Sundowns defeated Stellenbosch 2-1.
WHO DO MODISE AND FREDERICKS BACK TO SHINE IN THE NEDBANK CUP
Modise says defender Khuliso Mudau will shine. The Bafana Bafana international has played two matches and scored one goal.
“I think Khuliso Mudau, always impacts with how Sundowns win the game because of his recovery to defend, it’s exceptional,” said Modise.
“He’s very difficult in one-on-ones, and also adds numbers going forward. He’s getting into the right areas. We’ve seen against the Stellies to be able to score. I think that’s one of the areas he needs to improve because he gets there.
“I think he’s one who has been outstanding defensively for Sundowns. Because of how Sundowns play, he’s one the fastest defenders that have Sundowns. He’s the guy, he’s calm on the ball and I think he will help Sundowns to win the game.”
Fredericks believes Pirates star Tshegofatso Mabasa will steal the show. In the competition, Mabasa has scored three goals and two assists in four matches.
“I honestly think that Mabasa [will shine], not because he’s the top goalscorer, but because of the role that he plays. He’s not a striker that when he doesn’t touch the ball, he loses the shape in front,” said Fredericks.
“He’s a patient player, he’s full of confidence, I think scoring for two different teams in one season, he’s flying with confidence. As much as it’s going to be for Orlando Pirates, the decision on who is going to be in the midfield [Makhehlene] Makhaula, Thalente Mbatha, [Miguel] Timm, which combination, will be important for Pirates.
“At the end of the day, the guy that will do the hard ground, if you ask me for a name, I’m saying it’s going to be Mabasa, he’s got it rolling. I’m sure Sundowns and the coaches will be saying don’t forget about this player
RELATED STORY: Stanton Fredericks: ‘The current generation of SA players lack…’