Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Walter Kutumela, Mamelodi Sundowns' general manager, has issued brotherly advice to AmaZulu not to entertain any hopes of going further in the Telkom Cup.

"We are talking about a R4,25 million first prize here, their participation in the tournament is over," said Kutumela ahead of Sunday's match at Super Stadium.

The Brazilians are still in high spirits after registering a well-deserved 3-0 win over Black Leopards in a Castle Premiership match at the same venue last weekend.

On Tuesday, Downs pipped GaRankuwa United 2-1 in a friendly where youngsters Terence Mabaso, Mfiki Mthimkhulu and Themba Maringa were impressive.

"The most important thing in football is to be consistent. We have raised the hopes of our supporters with a resounding win over Leopards," said Kutumela.

"We want to maintain our winning rhythm. We are gearing ourselves for a tough match, but there is no way AmaZulu will survive this one. Sundowns are not only planning to qualify for the second round, we want to go all the way to the final and become the first recipients of the title."

Kutumela also praised their supporters, who are gradually turning up in big numbers to rally behind their favourite club.

"The support we've been getting, especially at our home matches, is great. It's also good to see more and more people supporting us when we play away."

Usuthu, who are facing a hazy future with Pat Malabela planning to auction the club to recoup R30 million owed to him, played to a 2-all draw against Maritzburg United in their last match on October 14.

Representatives of the struggling KwaZulu-Natal outfit could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.

Sundowns will look to the likes of Surprise Moriri, Godfrey Sapula and Vuyo Mere to show Usuthu an early exit. But AmaZulu have experienced campaigners like John "Shoes" Moshoeu, Effort Sithole and Mpho Maleka, who are capable of causing a major upset.

Kick-off is at 3.45pm.