Sundowns target domestic glory after reaching cup final

Mamelodi Sundowns are determined to end their long wait for domestic silverware after booking a place in the final with a 3-3 aggregate draw against Golden Arrows.

The Brazilians advanced after two closely contested semi-final legs and will face rivals Orlando Pirates in the final on 10 October. The venue has not yet been confirmed.

Malibongwe Khoza says Sundowns recognise the pressure to deliver a trophy, particularly after criticism that the club has not placed enough emphasis on domestic competitions.

“It feels amazing because it’s been something we always wanted to do. A lot of people are complaining that we are not putting enough of our focus towards domestic competitions, so we made sure that we reach the final and try to win it.”

The result gives Sundowns an opportunity to answer those concerns on the pitch. Their route to the final was secured without an outright aggregate victory, with the two semi-final matches ending level at 3-3, but the decisive outcome has set up an eagerly anticipated meeting with Orlando Pirates.

Attention now turns back to league football, with Sundowns preparing to host Milford FC in the Betway Premiership tonight.

Khoza believes the fixture will present a significant challenge, despite Milford being newcomers to the competition. He expects the visitors to bring energy and pose a threat when possession changes hands.

“We are expecting a very energetic Milford team that can be dangerous on the counter attack, but we are ready for them and we’ll be giving our all for our supporters.”

Milford have made an encouraging start to life in the Betway Premiership. They are fifth in the league standings, with seven points from their opening four matches.

That leaves them only three points behind Sundowns, adding further significance to a match between two sides separated by a narrow margin in the early table.

For Sundowns, the game offers a chance to maintain their domestic momentum while preparing for a final that could provide the trophy they have been pursuing for years. Their immediate challenge, however, is to deal with Milford’s pace and counter-attacking threat before they can turn their full attention to the meeting with Orlando Pirates.

The final on 10 October will be the consequence of Sundowns’ aggregate draw with Golden Arrows and represents another opportunity for the club to secure domestic success. Khoza said reaching the match was only part of the objective, with the focus now firmly on completing the job and lifting the trophy.