University of Pretoria midfielder Mpho Matsi says the team have thrown caution to the wind for the second half of the Premiership season.

"At this point in time we have nothing to lose and we are approaching every game as if it is our last," Matsi said after his team advanced to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup on Wednesday.

"We think we can go far in this competition. A few years ago we did well and we want to do it again."

Tuks beat Moroka Swallows 2-1 with striker Atusaye Nyondo grabbing the winning goal in the second half after the teams were level at the interval.

Thabo Mosadi scored early for AmaTuks while Rudi Isaacs equalised for the Dube Birds.

Matsi said the club showed great tenacity to clinch the knockout win.

"It was a great victory for us against a difficult team that is fighting for their lives.

"Our team played a disciplined game and we were rewarded for it. After they equalised we didn't panic and fought on."

AmaTuks had endured a lukewarm season, which saw them hovering around the mid-table zone in the league.

Their campaign was made even more difficult by the departure of long-serving coach Steve Barker three months ago.

Matsi however believed the players were able to find their feet thanks largely to the long mid-season break.

"During the break we worked hard on some of our weaknesses.

"We weren't that impressive in the first-half of the season so we had to make sure we came out better this time around."

Matsi said their aim was to go far in the Nedbank Cup and finish in the top eight of the league.

"We have put last year behind us and we are focused on doing our best now. As a club we have big ambitions we need to finish better than we started."