AmaTuks duo barred from facing Sundowns in Nedbank Cup

AmaTuks duo barred from facing Sundowns in Nedbank Cup

Motsepe Foundation Championship side AmaTuks will be without two key players for their Nedbank Cup match against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The two Tshwane-based sides will battle it out on Friday night for a place in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Kick-off is at 19:00.

Now, according to AmaTuks head coach Tlisane Motaung, both Thabang Sibanyoni and Promise Mkhuma are not available for selection.

And that is because of the contractual agreement signed by both teams when Sibanyoni and Mkhuma were loaned out AmaTuks.

Of course, AmaTuks didn’t think twice when the deal was proposed as chances of them playing Sundowns this season were very slim.

AMATUKS WITHOUT TWO KEY STARS FOR SUNDOWNS MATCH

“Yes, Siba would have played a great role for us, I would have loved to have him in this particular match,” Motaung told reporters.

“Unfortunately, due to of course contractual agreements, we’re not going to have him – not only him Promise Mkhuma also participate in this particular match.”

“And we respect that because it’s something that we knew when we brought him to the club,” added Motaung.

SUNDOWNS CHASING TREBLE

Sundowns are chasing a treble this season with the Nedbank Cup not the only trophy on offer for them.

The Brazilians are in the semi-finals of the Caf Champions League, and almost certain to defend their league crown.

And if they win both the Caf Champions League and Nedbank Cup, they would have sealed the treble not counting the African Football League (AFL) they have already won.

Furthermore, Sundowns are looking to qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup which would see them pocket R1 billion on the spot.

However, there are permutations attached to it as reported by The South African.

• Sundowns will qualify if they reach the final/win the title, or if the final is Esperance/Ahly.
• Esperance will qualify if they reach the final/win the title or if the final is Sundowns/Ahly.
• TP Mazembe will qualify only if they win the title.

In the event that TP Mazembe win the Caf Champions League title and automatically qualify for the Club World Cup with Sundowns having crashed in the semis, then the Lubumbashi-based outfit would be joined by Esperance.

READ ALL FOOTBALL RELATED STORIES BY ERNEST MAKHAYA HERE…