University of Pretoria coach Kwanele Kopo believes that despite their struggles in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, AmaTuks can still spring a surprise in the Nedbank Cup.
AmaTuks will host Sekhukhune United F.C. in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 at Tuks Stadium on Sunday.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since the 2020/21 season, when Sekhukhune were still competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, and both league encounters ended in draws.
A winner must be decided on Sunday to determine who advances to the quarter-finals, and Kopo has hinted at emulating the famous 2009 AmaTuks side that reached the final before losing to Moroka Swallows.
“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 for the game. We have analysed their last few matches, and they will be doing the same with us.”
Sekhukhune come into the match sitting third in the Premiership standings and were 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 some tactical and technical adjustments in our approach,” Kopo continued.
“But the most important thing is mentality. Often, you don’t need much motivation when it’s a cup game against a top-flight team — especially one that is in the top three.
“We will be ready. Every team has challenges — injuries, suspensions — but with the players we have available, we need 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 alone drives the desire.
“It’s a tough game, but I believe we will be up to the challenge on Sunday.”
