Katlego Mashego backs Mamelodi Sundowns to overcome Orlando Pirates in Nedbank Cup

Sundowns thrashed Polokwane City 4-0 on Wednesday afternoon to set up a date with Sundowns which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 15 April.

With the likes of Peter Shalulile on form, former striker Katlego Mashego feels The Brazilians are favourites to move to the next round.

"It's never a mismatch when these two teams clash," Mashego tells snl24.com/kickoff.

"It's not a derby per se but it's a bit of a big game. So on the day you will never know. I mean we also saw how Manchester United from nowhere they beat Manchester City. So this game, throw form out of the window. So whoever is ready on the day and willing to work will win the game.

"Sundowns has never really done well in Cup competitions you know, but this time I will give it to them, they are a bit strong, they have a stronger team. Their team is stronger than Pirates at the moment, so based on that I will give it to them but it will also depend on the day."

Asked if he would have preferred to see the two teams meet at the later stage of the cup competition, 'Mahoota' said, "Ya you always want to see big teams in the Final you know. People always wants to see biggest clubs in the Final but in cup games you have to win all the games to win a cup, whether it's small teams or big teams. But it's not a Final before the Final, it's just another game where one team have to win to go to the Final and lift the trophy."

Mashego says it is a pity that fans will be missing out on an opportunity to watch what is probably going to be the biggest game of the season due to the Covid-19 regulations in South Africa.

"Ya of course it's out of our hands, it's nothing we can control. It's the situation we are in now, it's the life we are in now we have to accept and leave with it you know. It's disappointing but there's nothing we can do."

Scroll right to see Mashego's Dream Team (4-4-1-1)

GK - Denis Onyango - I saw him when he first arrived in SA from Ethiopia. He couldn't kick a ball [laughs]! But how he has improved is the stuff of legends. Best in Africa by far.

RB - Siboniso Gaxa - Worked very hard and like the best full-backs in the world, he knew the right time to overlap.

LB - Tsietsi Mahoa - What can I say about Tsivo [laughs]! He was a left-back but in his mind he was a number 10. He could cross, he could pass, and he hated losing.

CB - Morgan Gould - He was intimidating. The first time I played against him he kicked me to pieces and we shared a room at Confed Cup 2009 for Bafana. Great guy also.

CB - Thabo Nthethe - Mr Cool, no debate here. When he's fit and well he's the best centre-back in the country. He can pass long and short and he scores goals too.

CM - Alfred Phiri - I played with him for only one season but the impact he had on my career was immense. Top guy on and off the field.

CM - Surprise Moriri - Football brain fit for top European leagues, it's an injustice that he didn't play overseas. The best.

LM - Daine Klate - Champion player, wants to win everything this guy. If winning mentality was a person, it's Daine Klate. Best left foot in the PSL and he won everything.

RM - Elias Pelembe - [Laughs] Here it's a tussle between Elias Pelembe and Koketso Mmotong. So it will depend what I want on the day, speed or pure brilliance.

RM - Koketso Mmotong - Played with Mashego at Silver Stars

Number 10 - Teko Modise - My partner in crime, he changed how people looked at soccer players in the country. He was a very good player and an icon. A true football god.

Striker - Katlego Mphela - His nickname Killer says it all. He scored all types of goals, a natural goalscorer.