Gomora coach accepts massive gap with Sundowns but fires warning – ‘We have no fear’

Gomora United coach Ashley Makhanya knows his team face a daunting trip to Mamelodi Sundowns who they will face in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 on Wednesday.

The third-tier club will play at Loftus Versfeld looking to pull off an upset against one of the favourites to win the trophy although their opponents come into the match wounded after their CAF Champions League defeat away to Al-Hilal last Friday.

Makhanya admits he is up against a tough team but is putting his faith in the confidence within his squad to give a good account of themselves.

What is giving Gomora confidence?

“This is the Nedbank Cup, a tournament famously known for its underdog success stories,” said Makhanya, showing belief in his team.

“Of course, the priority is to stay in the league and do well, but we cannot approach the Nedbank Cup lightly,” added the tactician, whose side sit in 12^th place in the Motsepe Foundation Championship only five points above the drop zone.

“What’s the worst that can happen? They (Sundowns) are beating everybody, but we have no fear. We will go out there and do our best.”

Sundowns keen to end four-year wait

Sundowns last won the Nedbank Cup in 2021-22 and were eliminated by eventual winners Kaizer Chiefs at the semi-final last season, putting pressure on coach Miguel Cardoso and his team to reclaim the trophy this term.

Given their quality, experience and pedigree as the PSL champions for the last eight years in a row, Makhanya knows he has to come up with a great tactical plan to have any chance in the game.

“We know what Sundowns are capable of and what they have been doing for so many years,” he said. “We will put our plan in motion, and whatever happens will happen. But we are not going there with fear.”