Maritzburg United vs Mamelodi Sundowns – our predictions

Phakaaathi’s Jonty Mark and Khaya Ndubane give their views on who will win and why.

Why Maritzburg will win (Khaya Ndubane, Online Content Manager)

On paper, Mamelodi Sundowns are favourites going into this match, but such is the nature of the Nedbank Cup that one cannot rule out an upset this afternoon.

But if what coach Pitso Mosimane said earlier this week is anything to go, then he could well field a weakened team this afternoon. Mosimane said that his main priority is to win Wednesday’s league clash against the self-same Maritzburg, hence I believe that Mosimane will rest some of his key players for today’s clash.

Maritzburg have proven to be tough opponents for the Sundowns. In fact, it was the Team of Choice that last tasted victory in cup competition, having knocked out the Brazilians in the MTN8 earlier this season. Evans Rusike, who has since moved to SuperSport United, was the hero on the day.

Maritzburg are unbeaten at home in their last six matches and I see them maintaining that run today. It’s not going to be easy though to beat the high-flying Sundowns outfit, but it can be done.

Prediction: Maritzburg United 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 0

Why Sundowns will win (Jonty Mark, Phakaaathi Editor)

Mamelodi Sundowns could be partying at the Harry Gwala Stadium twice in the space of four days, if they can win Sunday’s Nedbank Cup semifinal against Maritzburg United, and if a win (or even a draw) at the same venue against the same side on Wednesday ends up clinching the Absa Premiership title.

Pitso Mosimane’s Masandawana are on a roll, playing some delightful football, as they head towards a third league title in five seasons, with the added possibility of a league and cup double.

United are likely to provide tough opposition for Sundowns on Sunday (and Wednesday), Fadlu Davids’ side one of the surprise packages of this season, along with Free State Stars.

As Ea Lla Koto upset Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup semifinal, the Team of Choice may be inspired to feel they can do the same to the Brazilians on Sunday, but they are likely to find that Sundowns are a far more resilient, talented bunch than Amakhosi.

Sundowns just have too much artillery right now, with Percy Tau in sparkling form, Gaston Sirino’s searing pace adding an extra dimension since his arrival in January.

It was Tau who decided the league game against the Team of Choice back in December in Tshwane, and though United did stun Sundowns in the MTN8 quarterfinals back in August, I just don’t see it happening again on Sunday.

Even if Mosimane opts to rest some players ahead of Wednesday’s league game, Sundowns have such a strong squad that they should be able to come through. I am going to go for a 2-0 win for Masandawana.

Prediction: Maritzburg United 0 Mamelodi Sundowns 2