Mpheni Home Defenders head coach Sidwell Phuravhathu admits they wanted to be drawn against Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup last 16 for revenue purposes.
The Limpopo-based ABC Motsepe League outfit were instead pitted against last season’s runners-up Mamelodi Sundowns away from home after they dispatched Hungry Lions 3-1 to advance to the last 16.
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Immediately after the match, Pharavhathu made a bold statement wishing that they could be handed a home draw against either Chiefs or Pirates at home and promised to beat them.
Pharavhathu explained that they wanted a big team so that they could make money out of the fixture, especially playing at home it would’ve worked for them also for players to showcase their talent on national TV which might help the players secure big contracts.
“Playing against big clubs is a thing that we wanted because we’ve got nothing to lose,” Pharavhathu told iDiski Times.
“Secondly it was revenue, especially if we were playing at home, that revenue that comes can help the club that’s the reason we wanted to be drawn against big clubs that can attract a lot of fans so that we can get something from the competition.
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“We are very excited for the boys as well because our game will be televised, we were unlucky the last time because none of our games were televised before.
“So, this is for them to showcase their talent on national TV it’s gonna go a long way in terms of them securing contracts in the MFC and Betway Premiership so for us it is an achievement for the team, even playing against the league champions, the CAF Champions League winners it’s something that excites us, we have nothing to lose.
“We just have to go there and enjoy the game.”
