The DStv Diski Shield semi-final Cup match, which will take place on Saturday, July 16 at the Giant Stadium in Pretoria, pits Mamelodi Sundowns against Kaizer Chiefs. Masandawana defeated Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the quarterfinal match to secure their spot in the top four of the league. Chiefs, on the other hand, advanced to the Shield semifinals with a 4-2 victory against SuperSport United.
“On Saturday we are playing against Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-final of the Shield Cup, [it’s going to be a] very, very interesting game. Our games against Kaizer Chiefs are always interesting, we know that they are a team that is also forward oriented and willing to play good football and I’m anticipating a very open game.” Said Masandawana’s Diski team coach, Surprise Moriri.
“The boys know that for us to give ourselves the chance to be in the final we really have to make sure that first we play well, and also make sure that we compete when the game demands us to compete. In terms of the 1v1 duels, it has to start there with competing and make sure that everyone that is on the pitch wins their duels. We are looking forward to the game, the preparations are going very well and we are looking forward to a very good game.”
Masandawana advanced to the next round of the Shield Cup competition after the first half ended in a goalless tie thanks to two goals from Cassius Mailula. The 21-year-old offensive midfielder received high accolades from Coach Surprise:
“Cassius had a good performance on Saturday by scoring two goals, but besides him scoring those goals he worked really hard and made sure that he leads from the front and also encouraged the boys.”
“He’s one player that is reliable upfront, he is really working hard in making sure that we keep the team together and encourage the boys around him. It was good to see him lead the team on the weekend and I think it was a good call for us to make sure that we give him the armband so that he can lead from the front .”
Masandawana is aiming to win the trophy after falling short to Golden Arrows, who won the prestigious Diski Shield competition at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, 2-1 in the championship match in 2019. The Brazilians’ coach is aware of what to expect from the competition.
“It’s good that we qualified for the semi-finals, but I must say that it was a very difficult game against Orlando Pirates especially considering the fact that it was our first official game and you will never know how the game will go. I think the boys came to the party, we did the job and we are in the semi final. Everyone is happy, the boys are happy but we know that we still have to do our best to make sure that we qualify for the finals.”
On Saturday, July 16 at Giant Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns will play Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Diski Shield Cup semifinal. Live on SuperSport, kickoff is scheduled for 12h30.