Mamelodi Sundowns look to maintain their record against Nedbank Cup minnows with Gomora United

THE NEDBANK Cup is famous for offering lower division clubs the opportunity to slay the giants of the Premier Soccer League, better yet those of the elite Premiership.

Mamelodi Sundowns however, are not one of those giants that have a history of caving in and losing to the would-be Davids in a Goliath fight.

In fact, the perennial Premiership league winners have a long history of sending chancers packing with a memorable walloping that should, and probably has, been giving this year’s hopefuls, Gomora United, some sleepless nights.

The side famously named after the notorious Alexandra Township, Gomora, will be a team on a double mission (gain some street credit while rewriting history) when they visit Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night for the 7pm Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash against Masandawana.

At least, according to Gomora coach, former Bafana Bafana defender Ashley Makhanya, the lower division side knows exactly what to expect from Sundowns.

“We know what Sundowns are capable of and what they have been doing for so many years,” said Makhanya. Yet, Makhanya encourages his players to meet the challenge with self-expression and confidence on the field.

“What’s the worst that can happen? They (Sundowns) are beating everybody, but we have no fear. We will go out there and do our best.”

Making matters worse for Makhanya, who will have another former Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates and Bafana left-back Patrick Phungwayo by his side in the dugout at Loftus, they will be facing a Sundowns’ side looking to restore their confidence after sailing some turbulent waters recently.

Sundowns chances of defending the league title are in question as they currently trail Pirates in the log with three points.

In their previous two continental outings, they have only collected a single point having drawn 2-2 and lost 2-1 to Sudanese side Al Hilal.

The 2-2 draw brought some serious fire over coach Miguel Cardoso with supporters responding violently towards him and his technical team at Loftus some two weeks ago.

And so, it will be no surprise to see him select his strongest side capable of delivering a beating similar to that which was inflicted to the misfortune Powerlines some years back.

But football can be surprising.