Mamelodi Sundowns Warned Ahead of Crucial Nedbank Cup Clash: 'We Have No Fear'

Gomora United coach Ashley Makhanya has challenged his team to embrace the moment and play fearlessly when they face powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup last-32 clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Despite their underdog status, Makhanya emphasised that the competition is known for its historic upsets and wants his players to express themselves confidently against the formidable Sundowns.

"What’s the worst that can happen?" Makhanya posed during a press conference on Monday. "They [Sundowns] are beating everybody, but we have no fear; we will go out there and do our best. We know what Sundowns are capable of and what they have been doing for so many years."

The coach stressed that the experience is a valuable one for his players, who have nothing to lose.

"We will put our plan in motion, and whatever happens will happen. But we are not going there with fear," he continued.

"They will be looking forward to the game, and you have to allow them to express themselves and show their quality. If you lose, you lose, as long as you don’t lose yourself. Show what you’ve got, and the results will take care of themselves."

The Motsepe Foundation Championship side is aiming to be one of the giant-killers in this year's tournament. Makhanya confirmed they have a strategy ready for the encounter.

"This is a competition that prides itself on the underdogs producing those shock results," he noted. "We’ll put our plan in action and hope for the best."

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has made it clear he will not be taking the fixture lightly.

Following a 2-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the CAF Champions League, Cardoso promised to field a formidable team to prevent any surprises.

"Expect a very strong line-up for this match," Cardoso stated. "We respect our opponents, and they’ll be making a serious approach."

Miguel Cardoso also made an emotional appeal for understanding, reminding critics that coaches are "human beings" as pressure mounts at the Chloorkop-based club.

"I have been talking about this in the past three or four press conferences. I think it’s time to finish it," Cardoso stated. "There is a moment when it touches too much on things that do not smell bad, and it can spread the smell."

Despite his initial hesitation, the Mamelodi Sundowns coach eventually spoke about the emotional demands of his role, asserting his right to celebrate key moments with his team.

"The only comment that I’m going to have on this situation is to do with the fact that coaches also have emotions. Coaches are also human beings," he explained.

"When coaches want to celebrate something, it’s because they feel that it’s really important to do it… It has to do with the moment, the will to celebrate the achievement of my players."

With chants for former coach Pitso Mosimane still fresh in memory, Cardoso is aware that only a decisive victory against the lower-league side will ease the scrutiny he is currently facing.