Cardoso wary of in-form Stellenbosch ahead of Cup tie

Sekhukhune United defender Daniel Cardoso has identified two Stellenbosch FC players that could hurt them in their Nedbank Cup semi-final clash at Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.

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Ahead of the clash, Cardoso is worried about goal-poacher Iqraam Rayners and midfielder Junior Mendieta, saying the duo have played a huge role in Stellies’ good run in the competition this season.

“Stellenbosch are in great form, they have beaten the champions (Mamelodi Sundowns). They are scoring goals from transitions and they have been great. Rayners has been one of their outstanding players since he went back, Mendieta has been outstanding. It will be a tough game,” said the former Kaizer Chiefs defender.

“Also, going into this game (against Stellies), we drew (1-1 against TS Galaxy in the DStv Premiership). So we know what’s at stake. We have shifted our focus to this game, the Nedbank Cup. We have to forget about the league for now and I think we can go over the hurdle and make it to the final.”

Stellenbosch have a lot of youngsters in their team, which helps the team play in transition because of their speed. With that in mind, Cardoso, however, says they will be able to handle Stellies’ attacks.

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“Quicker teams play in transition. But we mark the space well at the back. We have good distance between each other as a team. So, going there, we don’t want to go for a draw obviously there has to be a winner.

“It’s going to be an open game, but we have to be wary of the space behind us. They have quick youngsters and know how to score goals, but they also concede a lot of goals. They have conceded quite a few in their last games.”