After a brief pause for the international break, club football roars back to life as Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United lock horns in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash on Friday evening at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Kick-off is set for 19:00, and with a spot in the Sundowns have been the undisputed kings of South African football this season. They lead the league with a comfortable cushion and remain unbeaten in domestic competitions. Now, with players returning from international duty, they’ll be eager to maintain their relentless march toward another trophy.

Coach Miguel Cardoso will have key men like Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Jayden Adams back in the fold after national team duty. The squad’s depth has been a major asset, and supporters will expect to see Lucas Ribeiro, Peter Shalulile, and Marcelo Allende spearheading the attack.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who has seen it all in cup football, emphasized the importance of staying focused despite the disruption of the international break.

“It’s always tricky coming back from a break like this. The momentum can shift, and anything can happen in a cup game. But we’ve prepared well, and we know Sekhukhune will come at us hard,” said Onyango.

Sekhukhune United have been quietly making strides in South African football, and they now find themselves within touching distance of a historic semifinal spot. However, to get there, they’ll need to overcome a daunting opponent that has had their number in past encounters.

They come into this game with some defensive concerns, but their attack, led by Chibuike Ohizu and Elias Mokwana, has the potential to trouble even the best backlines. Keletso Makgalwa, a former Sundowns player, will be one to watch, as he looks to make a statement against his old club.

Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated this fixture, winning six of the last seven meetings between the two sides, with one draw. That kind of record gives them the psychological edge, but in a knockout game, history counts for little. Sekhukhune will take confidence from the unpredictability of cup football, where one moment of brilliance can change everything.

With Sundowns back in rhythm after the international break and Sekhukhune eager to cause an upset, this quarterfinal has all the ingredients for a high-intensity showdown. Will the Brazilians keep their treble hopes alive, or can Sekhukhune shake things up and book their place in the last four?

Both teams will recognise that lifting the Nedbank Cup is more than just about the trophy—it’s about prestige, history, and a direct route to continental competition. For Sundowns, it’s a step toward further cementing their dominance in South African football, while for Sekhukhune, a deep cup run could announce them as a rising force. With so much at stake, expect both sides to leave it all on the pitch.