The Nedbank Cup, Last 16 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Maritzburg United took place at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on March 17, 2024. Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena discussed the team’s progress in a challenging season, taking into account the number of competitions they have participated in. He pointed out the improvement from the previous season, citing their CAFCL quarter-final progress, a trophy, and a significant lead in the league.
Mokwena expressed pride in the team’s achievements and credited the players for their efforts. He mentioned the difficulty of the competition and emphasized that winning it once in many attempts indicates the competition’s challenging nature. Despite being considered favorites for the Champions League, Mokwena dismissed the tag, noting the historical dominance of Al Ahly.
He highlighted the need to earn the “favorites” tag through experience and consistent performance, referring to Al Ahly’s ability to navigate their way through the competition. Mokwena emphasized the team’s learning process and the importance of resilience in facing the competition’s challenges.