Sundowns face Marumo Gallants again in Carling Knockout last 16

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews says the club will not approach Tuesday’s Carling Knockout last-16 tie against Marumo Gallants as an opportunity for revenge.

The two sides meet at Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 19:00, a year after Marumo Gallants eliminated Sundowns at the same stage of the competition. The match ended 0-0 before Bahlabane Ba Ntwa won 7-6 on penalties.

Sundowns are also looking to respond after their bitter CAF Champions League group-stage exit last Friday. The Brazilians last won the Carling Knockout in 2019 and are under pressure to challenge for silverware this season.

Matthews, however, says last season’s result will not influence Sundowns’ approach when they face the same opponents again.

“I don’t think it’s revenge. We just have to go there. Whichever team we play against, we have to win,” Matthews told the club’s media department.

“We play to win and that is important. Fortunately, we are getting Marumo Gallants again and we want to win the game and that’s what we are going there to do.”

The winger said Sundowns’ focus was solely on producing a winning performance, rather than settling old scores.

Tuesday’s fixture is one of three matches involving major South African clubs. Kaizer Chiefs will host TS Galaxy, while Orlando Pirates will welcome Milford.