Kopo Confident AmaTuks Can Upset In Nedbank Cup
University of Pretoria coach Kwanele Kopo believes his side can defy their Motsepe Foundation Championship struggles by causing an upset in the Nedbank Cup.
AmaTuks host Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 at Tuks Stadium on Sunday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
First Meeting Since 2020/21 Season
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since the 2020/21 campaign, when Sekhukhune were still competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. On that occasion, both league matches ended in draws.
Unlike those encounters, Sunday’s clash must produce a winner, with extra time and penalties set to decide who advances if necessary.
Kopo has drawn inspiration from the famous 2009 AmaTuks side that reached the Nedbank Cup final before narrowly losing to Moroka Swallows.
Kopo: “We Can Cause One or Two Upsets”
“We know we are going through a transition period; we are rebuilding the club,” said Kopo.
“But the Nedbank Cup offers opportunities to smaller teams and underdogs. In 2009, Tuks made it all the way to the final.
“Maybe we can repeat something like that. As much as we are struggling in the league, we can cause one or two upsets in the Nedbank Cup.
“We are preparing as best as we can. We have analysed their last few games, and they will be doing the same with us.”
Sekhukhune Present a Tough Test
Sekhukhune head into the fixture sitting third in the Premiership standings. They were also runners-up in the 2022/23 Ke Yona Cup final, losing to Orlando Pirates.
“Like I said, they are a very, very strong team. There will be tactical and technical adjustments in our approach,” Kopo continued.
“But the most important thing is mentality. You don’t need much motivation for a cup game against a top-flight side, especially one that is in the top three.
“We will be ready. Every team has challenges — injuries and suspensions — but with the players available, we must get results, whether in the cup or the league.
“The good thing about the cup is that we are four games away from the final. That drives the desire.
“It’s a tough game, but I believe we will be up to the challenge on Sunday.”
