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kICKS READY FOR DOWNS

HANDFUL: Katlego Mphela, 28/10/08. Pic. Lefty Shivambu. © Sowetan.
HANDFUL: Katlego Mphela, 28/10/08. Pic. Lefty Shivambu. © Sowetan.

Matome Lebea

Carara Kicks' coach David Vilakazi said they will not approach their Nedbank Cup last 32 match against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns like a sheep going into the lion's den.

The match will be played at Griffons Rugby Stadium in Welkom tomorrow, with kickoff at 3pm.

Kicks are the National First Division coastal stream log leaders. Vilakazi conceded that it will be a tough match against Dow ns.

"We have respect for them but they must not expect any easy ride to the next round. We are prepared to go out and give our best, a win will be a bonus because our focus is on winning the league," Vilakazi told Sowetan yesterday.

Kicks will be minus key players Kingston Nkhatha, Prince Hlela, Aleni Lebyane, Lefa Nyapuli, Rantsho Mokoena and Tebelo Hlabeli who have been rested because they have two cautions each, one away from suspension.

They will rely on the likes of Bruin Senokoane, Nathaniel November and Akeem Olumbambiro.

The Brazilians will be under pressure because Ke Yona appears to be their last hope of silverware after their league title ambitions took a knock with a 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates on Wednesday. Downs will pin their hopes on Matthew Booth, Kurt Lentjies, Sibusiso Zuma (if fit), Surprise Moriri, Esrom Nyandoro and Katlego Mphela.

In another match at at 3pm tomorrow, Black Leopards host Premiership side AmaZulu at Tshifulanani Stadium.

Leopards coach Vladislav Heric believes a win against AmaZulu will boost their morale ahead of their crucial three remaining league matches.

Heric said they are out to ensure that AmaZulu do not repeat last season's result when Mpho Maleka's hat trick sank them. AmaZulu will go into this encounter as favourites after their 1-0 victory over Moroka Swallows.

Elsewhere Pretoria University may have an easy path to the next round when they play Vodacom League side Blackburn Rovers at Jan Smuts Stadium. In the other afternoon match NFD coastal stream sides Ikapa Sporting and Durban Stars lock horns at Erica Park.

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