The final before the final

By Sphiwe Hlongwane

It has already been dubbed as the final before the final, so we can expect fireworks when Mamelodi Sundowns host Kaizer chiefs in the Telkom Knockout challenge quarterfinal at the Super Stadium on Sunday.

Both teams were disappointed after failing to win the league title, so this tournament is an opportunity for them to give their supporters something to cheer about, or should I say some bragging rights.

A few top players will be missing for both sides, but the teams have enough depth in their squads to put on a real show on Sunday. They proved that when they managed to eliminate Free State Stars and Santos respectively during the previous round of the competition.

This game will provide a good platform for Trott Moloto to stake a claim for the Mamelodi Sundowns coach’s job after the sudden departure of Hristo Stoichkov. The Bulgarian was turning things around at Chloorkop and left Trott and his assistants with a solid foundation to build on. The biggest advantage for Sundowns is that even though they are missing their top marksman Katlego Mphela — and their whole first choice defense — they still have the likes of Elias Pelembe, Esrom Nyandoro, Mabhudi Khanyeza and Benedict Vilakazi in reserve.

For the Kaizer Chiefs coach — Vladimir Vermezovic — the pressure is mounting. Amakhosi fans are struggling to recall what it feels like to win silverware, so he will be well aware that a defeat might take him a step closer towards losing his job.

He will definitely miss Itumeleng Khune in goals and the creativity of Simphiwe Tshabalala and Reneilwe Letsholonyane in midfield, but there is still enough talent for him to work with.

I can imagine the Super Stadium being packed to capacity with soccer fans expecting to watch some exciting cup action from two big-name clubs. Hopefully they won’t be disappointed.