Xulu eyes Nedbank Cup final with Maritzburg

The 26-year-old, however, admits it will be difficult to beat the high-flying Mamelodi Sundowns and reach the final.

“We’re expecting a very tough game obviously. It’s never easy against Sundowns, but we want to show that we’re the best, and to be the best, you have to beat the best. We are playing at home, we want to win the cup, and it’s no secret that we want to be in the final.

“They [Sundowns] are one of the top sides, not only in South Africa, but in Africa. So we have to respect them, but we want the result, we’re at home and want to go to the final,” he stated.

Xulu added it was important that United back themselves to do what has been working for them throughout much of the season.

“What we will try and do is stick to our plan, do what we have done through the season, and that is to focus on ourselves, playing the way we train. And whatever comes in the game, we have to deal with that.

“I don’t think much has to be changed with our defensive approach,” he continued. “We’re one of the best defensive sides in the league. Yes, Sundowns are a very good side, we have to show them respect and plan for them, but I don’t think much will change on our side.”

“Unfortunately, in football the past does not count. We can’t think because we beat them in Pretoria [1-0 in the MTN8 last August], now we’ll have the upper hand, that’s not the case.

“Sundowns are scoring goals, they are a very well-oiled machine. But we’ve also been doing well, scoring goals, we have been defending well too. It’s going to be a hell of a 90 minutes,” concluded Xulu.

The game is set to be played at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday at 3pm.