Makaab expecting tough matches for Sundowns & Pirates after CAF exploits

By Ayanda Nyuswa

Gagasi FM Sports specialist Mike Makaab believes Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns might find the going tough in the Nedbank Cup semi finals, after enduring tough Champions League encounters.

After securing their spots in the semi finals of Africa’s premier football competition, the two sides will turn their attention to Nedbank Cup action. The Bucaneers, who are double defending champions of Ke Yona, will host Marumo Gallants at Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon (15:00), while Sundowns welcomes Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld on the same day (18:00).

Jose Riveiro’s men overcame the challenge of Algerian side MC Alger with a 1-0 aggregate victory over two legs, making their first champions league semi final appearance in 12 years. Sundowns dumped out Tunisian giants Esperance with the same aggregate scoreline (1-0).

Speaking on Extratime on Gagasi FM, Makaab believes Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants will have a massive advantage due to being able to rest and only focus on the Nedbank Cup. The former Orlando Pirates coach says he wouldn’t be surprised to see a Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants final.

“If we sat here and asked the general audience who would you expect to be in the final? I am sure the consensus would be a Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates final. Let’s beware, don’t forget that both these football clubs have been involved in incredibly tough matches home and away in the Champions League. While Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants had this (Nedbank Cup) and only this to worry about”, said Makaab.

“It’s not going to be as cut and dried I believe as everybody possibly thinks. If you said to me do I expect a Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates final, on form with everything else being equal, which it’s not, yes. So it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw a Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants final. I mean that sincerely I think cup football is crazy, it can go anyway and it’s a once off, not a home and away, so it’s going to be super interesting.”