Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has predicted Mamelodi Sundowns to claim the Nedbank Cup.
Masandawana play Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday afternoon at the Mbombela Stadium. The 38-year-old analyst says the Brazilians have enough experience to see them over the line against the defending champions.
Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye also pleaded with the Nedbank Cup final match officials to be fair and neutral. The last time the two sides met was in February with the match ending 1-1. Miguel Timm was sent off but the Buccaneers were awarded a late penalty which Tapelo Xoki scored to level the score. Khanye believes Pirates might be in trouble should their attackers fail to show up on Saturday.
“Pirates rely on individual brilliance but if you cut on supply, they don’t have a plan B,” he said.
“If you take care of Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, it will be difficult for them to win.”
Junior Khanye says Sundowns will win the Nedbank Cup
The former footballer mentioned Sundowns’ experience as a key and expected them to take the game to Pirates.
“I need to be honest, Sundowns players are more experienced than Pirates players as they play in the CAF Champions League regularly. Any situation they are faced with, they can make a plan,” Khanye said ahead of the Nedbank Cup final.
“Unfortunately, Pirates play differently against Sundowns, they defend with six or seven players. They need to play their normal attacking game like when they won seven matches in a row.”
Khanye expects Downs to approach the game positively and win within 90 minutes.
“[Lucas]Ribeiro will open the scoring then [Tshegofatso’Mabasa will equalise and [Peter]Shalulile will score the winner. I predict Sundowns to beat Pirates 2-1 or maybe 1-0 by Shalulile.”
The Nedbank Cup final is the last match of the 2023/24 PSL season and Khanye has pleaded with the referee to get calls right on Saturday.
“I wish the referee doesn’t decide tomorrow’s game. Referee, if you received a brown envelope under a desk, please ignore it. I am just asking for the referee not to decide tomorrow’s game. I’m worried but I’m asking the referee to be neutral and not give out red cards recklessly,” he said.