Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile says they know what will be at stake when they face their nemesis, the Orlando Pirates, in what is expected to be a heated Nedbank Cup final.
Sundowns and the Nedbank Cup defending champions, the Pirates, will lock horns at a sold-out Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Saturday afternoon.
Shalulile, who struggled with form early this season, has somewhat found his groove back, hitting the back of the net five times in the last 10 league games.
The last time the two outfits met in a cup final was in the MTN8 last season, where the Buccaneers emerged victorious, beating the Brazilians 3-1 in a penalty shootout.
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Shalulile said they will not focus much on their previous final results, stating that the Nedbank Cup final will be a different ball game.
We will utilise our chances
“The last time we met in the final [MTN8], they beat us, but that is the game of football,” Shalulile said during a press conference at Chloorkop on Thursday afternoon.
“But going into the Nedbank Cup final is different. Like we said, we want to get the job done.
“We are going into this match knowing very well that we also have good players, a great team, and a good coach.
“We will do our best like we always do, which is to be positive and make sure that every chance we get, we utilise it.”
The Brazilians have been smashing records this season, including becoming the first team in the Premier Soccer League’s 16-team era to reach 72 points.
History-making mission
Sundowns captain Themba Zwane, who was also present at the press conference, said winning the Nedbank Cup will be vital to their history-making mission.
“We are all about making history, and it’s the culture of this team,” Zwane said.
“So, it’s very important for us to win this trophy because, as a team, we told ourselves that we want to finish this season on a high.
“We will go into this game with a positive mindset and do our best to win the game.”
The final will get under way at 3pm.
