‘Fatigued’ Downs in doubtful defence of title
JOBURG – Doubts are already being cast whether fatigued Mamelodi Sundowns will be able to defend their Telkom Knockout trophy.
After a drubbing in the MTN8 final by Bidvest Wits, doubts are already being cast on whether fatigued Mamelodi Sundowns can cope with the pressure to defend their Telkom Knockout title.
Sundowns have played non-stop football since last season with their back-to-back matches in the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League and now the local season has begun with the team not getting much rest.
The Brazilians were outclassed by the Clever Boys at the Mbombela Stadium 3–0, enabling Gavin Hunt and his charges to lift their first trophy in the Absa Premiership for the first time in many years.
The Yellow Machine – as Sundowns is affectionately known to faithful’s – has received a favourable home draw against lowly side, Polokwane City of Limpopo in the Round of 16 fixture when the Telkom Knockout was launched at the Wanderers Club in Illovo.
Dubbed the knockout of ‘unlimited rivalry’ football fanatics can look forward to exciting times when the cup tournament gets underway on 19 October.
The rest of the Round of 16 matches will be played during the weekend of the 22 and 23 October, as teams vie to dethrone defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and claim the R4 million prize money.
After losing in the final in 2007 and 2012, Sundowns will be looking to win the trophy for the second time since Telkom joined forces with the Premier Soccer League to sponsor the competition 10 years ago.
Speaking at the launch of the 2016 Telkom Knockout, Telkom’s group executive for communication and brand marketing, Jacqui O’Sullivan said, “We know that banter plays such an integral role in fuelling rivalry among the fans, thus, through the Telkom Knockout, we want to connect our fans and re-ignite their passion for football by giving them the freedom to banter on low call rates when rallying behind their teams.
“The intended consequence of this ‘unlimited rivalry’ is more goals on the field and ongoing conversations among football fans.”
Telkom Knockout Round of 16 fixtures:
Cape Town City FC vs Bloemfontein Celtic
Baroka FC vs Platinum Stars
Orlando Pirates vs Lamontville Golden Arrows
Free State Stars vs Bidvest Wits
Kaizer Chiefs vs Maritzburg United
SuperSport United vs Ajax Cape Town
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Polokwane City
Highlands Park vs Chippa United
Read: MC Weiler sends strong message in bid to defend title
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