Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Sandile Ndlovu has advised Rulani Mokwena to prioritize the record of finishing the season without having tasted defeat in the league over Nedbank Cup glory.
While Nedbank Cup final opponents Orlando Pirates have only one game to worry about before the big final, Rulani and his Sundowns team have two league assignments to tick off the to-do list.
On Tuesday, the league champions visit TS Galaxy FC at Mbombela Stadium, before closing the curtain on their DStv Premiership campaign with a tricky clash against Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
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Ndlovu says the heavy fixture schedule should not derail Mokwena from chasing unprecedented glory.
"I'm happy because coach Manqoba Mngqithi is there with his all experience. Tonight, I think Rulani will need to play only one or two of his fringe players," Ndlovu shares, in a conversation with KickOff.com.
"It's not a secret that he wants to finish the season without having lost a league match, and we understand that. He wants to make history.
"Remember, the final is against Pirates, who rely on pace, so you wouldn't dare field players who have not seen game-time for a whole two weeks against such a team.
"To keep winning in football you need consistency, hence I say against Galaxy he should play the likes of Mabena, and use Saturday's encounter as a build-up to the cup final," adds the man fondly addressed as 'AK 47'.
Ndlovu believes the fact Sundowns only need to draw their last two league games, at the very least, for the club to become the first 'Invincibles' in South African football, makes the headache a little less intense.
"I think what is important for Sundowns right now is what the coach wants. But the problem is the club and the supporters will prefer the Nedbank Cup trophy.
"I used to play for Sundowns, and I remember [Dr. Patrice] Motsepe telling us how much he wanted to conquer Africa.
"To the players, remember cups come with incentives. So, if I was Rulani, I would save one or two players, not all of them.
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"In my opinion, as a coach, what is important is the record. I'd first try to finish the season without losing a league game, and only focus on the cup final afterwards."
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