JOHAN Neeskens faces a defining moment in his career at Mamelodi Sundowns as he prepares for the epic Nedbank Cup final battle against crosstown rivals SuperSport United this weekend.

Failure to win the league has brought pressure on the Dutchman to bag the remaining trophy set to be played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday and kickoff is 3pm.

Neeskens has so far enjoyed the support of management and fans, who mostly feel the coach has done well in his maiden season, despite a late implosion that cost the Tshwane giants the league championship.

However, failure to deliver the Nedbank Cup could sway fans' perceptions. Neeskens admitted that he may not get recognition for the good work he's done throughout the season should his side flunk in the final.

"It's the life of a coach," said Neeskens. "I give 100% every day, try to prepare the team as well as possible in the hope that we'll get positive results. United presents us with a big challenge. They had a very good second round in the league and have been good in cup competition. it's the big one in the cup final, but it's the same for every team reaching the finals."

Their near-perfect record in the Nedbank Cup, where they have yet to concede a goal in four games, hardly suggests luck played a role in their progress.

The Brazilians have sparkled in the 32-team cup, scoring 30 goals. Form suggests both sides will go into the match on equal strength . United have knocked their rivals out of several cup games, particularly in the semifinals, but it will be the first time the two sides meet in a cup final in PSL history.