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PEDIGREE: Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens is said to have the edge in terms of experience

 The fact that it's a cup match makes it even more difficult to predict 

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The Brazilians take on cross-town rivals SuperSport United in what promises to a thriller at Orlando Stadium, with kickoff at 3pm.

Dumitru, who is also part of the Safa technical team, yesterday picked United to win the match despite the fact that Matsatsantsa beat Downs 1-0 in their last league meeting.

"Sundowns will win it this time around," he said. "They were unlucky to lose to United last time. United are not good at keeping possession, their approach to the game is too direct and it will be difficult for them to stop Downs if they allow them too much possession. Statistics show that they are a physical team with a lot of tackles. They will have to be more constructive against a team with a cup pedigree like Downs."

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo said it was difficult to predict the winner, but he also went with Downs.

"The fact that it's a cup match makes it even more difficult to predict. I am inclined to believe that it could go either way, as both teams seem equally matched if their recent clash against each other is anything to go by. But United's coach Gavin Hunt seems to have their number. Still I will take a chance and place my bets on Downs."

Farouk Khan and Roger de Sa would not be drawn into predicting the winner, saying it was anybody's trophy. Khan, who is part of the South African Football Association's technical department, said it would be a slap in the face for Sundowns to lose the game "because they have a top-class European coach in Johan Neeskens".

"Anything is possible from this clash," he said. "Downs have been successful in cup games and it could be a huge disappointment for them should they lose because of the quality they have in their team."

De Sa, the Wits coach, said both teams have not tasted success for a long time and hunger and thirst for success could turn this game into one of the memorable clashes between the two sides.

"Both teams, who have been used to success in the past, have gone through a dry spell for some time," he said. "United play counter(attacking) and direct route soccer. They found form late in the season, which almost put them into contention for the league title. (I predict) a very close game, which could go either way."

Comments

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Sat May 18 20:50:50 SAST 2013 ::

May 24, 2012

Phuphethakatha

Let's see if the Yellow Vegetation will grab this only cup left this season. I've always said it" Overrated and overpaid bunch of Clowns of K@k-kop headed by NesHeineken. They deserve a social grant instead...Treble Champs Waya Waya !!!
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May 24, 2012

langman

Phuphethakatha
Let's see if the Yellow Vegetation will grab this only cup left this season. I've always said it" Overrated and overpaid bunch of Clowns of K@k-kop headed by NesHeineken. They deserve a social grant instead...Treble Champs Waya Waya

Dont worry , The Black lable cup is waiting for you . It seems your are drunk already , Your team won two cups and the league , so what is your problem with downs.If you are bored get yourself a hobby and stop citicising Downs
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May 24, 2012

Mr_President

A soccer reporter was interviewing a Sunflops official and the interview went like thi:

Reporter: Sir i hear you want to win a treble this coming season like Pirates did the past 2 seasons!
Official: Yes that's true and we gonna do that for sure, no doubt about it.
Reporter: So how are you gonna go by to make sure you achieve this objective?
Official: It is very much simple sir, we gonna buy Orlando Pirates.

kwa kwa kwaaaaaaaaa

Up the Double Treble Champions

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May 24, 2012

Papoose

Rich-for-nothing Sunclowns aint lifting no trophy this weekend
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May 24, 2012

Deepstick-C

They will win in in the middle of their dreams...Sundunusa will lose 2-1 to Matsatsantsa
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May 24, 2012

Charmaboy

@Deepstick-C

They will lift the trophy and you know that.
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May 24, 2012

Mr_President

I am not a Sunflops fan but i wish they could whip the hell out of Zion FC, Hunt and Ferreira talk too much these days. That "makomkom" called Hunt must be taught a big lesson that being a cry baby "as short as he is" will never win him games. He buys playes from other teams but when the Kings of msanzi foot ball buys from him he opens his trouser zip, what for?

Bolaya yellow-gap bolayaaaaa.

Up the Double Treble Champions
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May 24, 2012

AusiBob

Yello!!!! Bafana ba style will lift the trophy come Saturday afternoon. KBY!
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May 24, 2012

Mafu'theNkukhu

Downs deserve to win this one and Patrice Motsepe must reshuffle his management & technical stuff.
The problem is to many managers in one position creates confusion because one does not know what the other is doing.
Wake up Motsepe before wasting too much money on good for nothing managers!!!
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May 24, 2012

Renegade

pierats supporters are soooooooooooooooooo boring and immature lenale melomo emogolo ditlaela kelena just like ur stupid toothless players and chairman.dikhothane tsa ko orlando.
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