Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach Manqoba Mngqithi says they have to show their Nedbank Cup opponent Richards Bay the respect they deserve.
The DStv Premiership leaders were drawn against the GladAfrica Championship leaders in the round of 32 of the cup.
Mngqithi says Richards Bay are going to be a tricky opposition, as they have shown in the past they can be giant-killers in the cup.
“Ja, what can you say about the Nedbank Cup, you always expect anyone in that space,” Mngqithi told the Sundowns’ media department.
“And I think we are playing against a very competitive team in Richards Bay.
“They’ve done very well, this season in the league. They are up there. And it says to us, we must know they’re giant killers, they’ve done very well in the past against big teams.
“And that becomes very important for us to look at this match, and give it all the respect it requires and work very hard to make sure that the team is ready for it.
“But one must say we were a little bit unfortunate with the draw to get a team that I believe, will really give us a hard time.
“But nonetheless, we are confident of the team we have, we believe they’ve got capacity to upset any team in the league. And we are hopeful that we’ll be able to get the desired results.
Mngqithi says it also makes it a little difficult because they have not seen Richards Bay play a lot.
“They are a closed book because we’ve not seen too many matches of them this season, even on TV,” he continued.
“And we know they are a team that has always caused upset, a team that is experienced in the Nedbank Cup.
“Over the years, they’ve really done very well in that space. So we have to tread carefully and make sure that we give them the necessary respect.”
