Ndamane Targets Top Spot After Nedbank Cup Heartbreak
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khulumane Ndamane insists the Brazilians have moved past their shock Nedbank Cup exit as they eye the summit of the Betway Premiership this Tuesday.
Sundowns were knocked out in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 by Ndamane’s former club, TS Galaxy, on Saturday. Ndamane, along with star players, did not feature in the match as he was rested.
The defeat came after Sundowns had played two high-profile fixtures — against MC Alger in the CAF Champions League group stages and a league clash against Orlando Pirates last Wednesday.
Their victory over Pirates in that blockbuster encounter saw Sundowns close the gap on the log leaders to three points. They now have 35 points from 16 matches, with a game in hand.
A win against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday would see Sundowns level on points with Pirates and move to the top of the table on goal difference.
Reflecting on the loss to Galaxy, Ndamane said: “The gents were not okay, but it happened and it’s in the past. We can’t change it.
“We are now focused on Tuesday’s game. The coach told us to forget about the past and concentrate on what’s ahead.
“Right now, our focus is on the AmaZulu game.”
As they aim to bounce back, Sundowns face an Usuthu side that has been punching above its weight, sitting fifth on the table with 30 points from 17 matches.
Unlike Sundowns, AmaZulu progressed to the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals after defeating provincial rivals Richards Bay FC.
However, Sundowns will take confidence from their recent record, having won seven of the last eight meetings in all competitions against AmaZulu, including a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
The last time Usuthu beat Sundowns in Durban was in December 2021, during Benni McCarthy’s tenure, when Augustine Mulenga scored the winner at Kings Park Stadium.
“It won’t be an easy game because AmaZulu have been playing well in recent matches and are very focused,” Ndamane admitted.
“We just have to concentrate on the game and play the way the coach wants us to play. If we stick to the game plan, I think that will help us win Tuesday’s match.”
