Mathaithai means to wreak havoc, and Mamelodi Sundowns versatile player Aubrey Modiba says if they let their guard down, the Botshabelo-based amateur side will live up to their name when the two sides meet in a Nedbank Cup last-16 clash on Tuesday (18:00) at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Modiba is well aware that Nedbank has a reputation of small teams shocking the big sides in the PSL, and he made it clear that they won’t undermine Mathaithai, who are campaigning in the third tier of South African football, ABC Motsepe League (Free State)
“We don’t know a lot about them, but the coaches will [conduct the video analysis] on the games that they have played in the league and in the Nedbank Cup, so I think we’re just going to have to do well,” said Modiba.
“We must not take them for granted; they are not here by mistake as they won their first game.
“I think the Nedbank Cup is a very important cup for ourselves and the smaller teams playing in the lower leagues. This is the time for them to showcase their talent and go all out because their games are on TV and everyone is watching them. It’s also important for us because we want to win every tournament that we participate in.
“The Nedbank Cup is a very special tournament for me, but we are going to take each game as it comes.”
Modiba was discovered through the Nedbank Ke Yona team search. The Ke Yona Team graduate showcased his talents in 2014 and laid the foundation for his professional career, which has blossomed ever since.
“I was discovered through the Nedbank Ke Yona team search, and I’ve managed to win the trophy once myself, but now I need to go on and win more to be the only one from the Ke Yona team search to go on and lift the Nedbank Cup,” he concluded.
