Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has refused to be drawn on his side being the heavy favorite to claim the Carling Knockout having made a big statement this past weekend.

However, Mngqithi said his main focus is on the next opponent. 

Mngqithi’s side has a chance of winning the Carling Knockout after reaching the semi-finals by crushing Kaizer Chiefs in the quarterfinals of this exciting on Saturday. 

Sundowns made the last exit of this competition last season in the round of 16 at the hands of struggling TS Galaxy. 

As they beat Chiefs, Sundowns is the only club in the SA’s big three teams that is still in the Carling Knockout. 

Orlando Pirates lost in the Last 16 against Magesi and Mngqithi said he is not the type of a coach who talks a lot, so he doesn’t want to say they will take Carling Knockout or not. 

“I never want to look at a Cup competition and go ahead of myself,” Mngqithi said. 

“I’m that type of a person who believes that as a team we should always fight doing the next match. If we win more matches we are mostly likely to win trophies. 

 “But as for to think this one is for the taking or not, it’s never what I do. I always look at the next opposition and try and find solutions that can help us to win that match and stay focused to the next one and next one, without getting ahead of myself.” 

Sundowns have since been drawn in the semi-final against Marumo Gallants, who dumped defending champions Stellenbosch on Sunday. The other semi-final will be contested by Richards Bay and newbies side Magesi FC.  

The final of this cup will take place at Toyota Stadium towards the end of this month, with the winner walking away with R6,600,000.  

The Brazilians will now face Polokwane City in their next league game at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday. 

This will be the second round match between these two teams as they faced each other last week in Polokwane where we saw Sundowns losing with a disappointing 1-0.