AS if they needed any helping hand, the ever-gallant Mamelodi Sundowns just happened to be the one side to get drawn against the only remaining team from the amateur ranks.

At the Nedbank Cup last 16 draw in Randburg on Wednesday night, the Tshwane giants were pitted against Mpheni Home Defenders, who play in the ABC Motsepe League.

Even though Sundowns have a history of sending amateur teams to their football ancestors without breaking a sweat – they still hold the PSL record of annihilating Powerlines FC 24-0 in the same competition – there was still humility in their reaction to the draw.

Midfield strongman Mothobi Mvala insisted that for their opponents to qualify, it means they are good enough.

“I cannot say they are an easy team. Since they qualified to be in the next round of the tournament, (that means) they are a good team,” said Mvala.

“We all know that when you play against teams from lower divisions, they can be very difficult.”

A team like the Brazilians, who are perennial South African champions, are not expected to be the side minding playing home or away as much as domestic matters are concerned.

But maybe playing against a team that, ahead of the draw, had made it clear that they fear not even the mightiest – as long they get a home draw – it may have just mean a lot for any club.

“I think what’s better is that we will be playing in our home ground. We don’t know much about them, but I believe the technical team will get the necessary information (about them),” said Mvala.

The stage is set! 🏆 Masandawana will take on Mpheni Home Defenders FC in the #NedbankCup last 16! 💪🔥

Share your thoughts on the upcoming tie below! 👇#Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/7mt60sD5zX
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 30, 2025

The Nedbank Cup is Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso’s first shot at silverware after he replaced Manqoba Mngqithi at the end of 2024.

“The coach came in with a lot of energy, and that has rubbed off onto the players as well. And as a winner, you know that at Mamelodi Sundowns, we want to win everything,” said the Bafana Bafana midfielder.

“We have quality players in the team, and they are buying into the philosophy of the coach and what the coach wants.

“That’s what helps us keep getting results. I think we are headed in the right direction.”

Mvala has been out injured, but the good news for the Yellow Nation is his return to field training.

“I have been working hard in the gym with the physios, to strengthen the knee. Just three days ago (from Wednesday night), I started running in the field and that felt better for me. I should be back before the end of the season.”

During the recently-closed January transfer window, Sundowns strengthened their spine with the signing of Jayden Adams and Keanu Cupido from Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City respectively.

🟡 𝙒𝙀𝙇𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝙇𝙐𝘾𝘼𝙎 🟡

Argentine centre-back, Lucas Suárez, is the newest addition to the Yellow Nation on loan to the end of the season!

Drop a welcome message for Lucas in the comments! 🫡#Sundowns #WelcomeSuarez pic.twitter.com/H9QFyAVwa4
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 30, 2025

“We are happy to have such talent in the team. We have to give credit to the team for bringing them into the club. Well done. We know what they are capable of, and they are going to help the team going forward,” said Mvala.

“They are very quality players, Cupido and Jay-D. At Sundowns we have a lot of games, and we have many competitions that we want to win. So, bringing them is going to help us a lot.”

The Brazilians will host Golden Arrows in the Premiership at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday (5.45pm kick-off).

“Like I said, at Mamelodi Sundowns, we want to win every competition. We want to win every game, so the league is one of the most important (trophies) also,” Mvala said.

“The guys are very focused and each player that gets a chance, they do well.

“We have been planning, and right now, the focus is Arrows. It is always nice to play at Loftus in front of our supporters.”