NATIONAL First Division (NFD) side Royal Eagles believe they have enough quality to shock current Nedbank Cup champions SuperSport United.
Title-chasing Eagles welcome United in the Last 32 round of the tournament at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg tonight (7.30pm).
Eagles midfield ace Raymond Monama said they understood very well what they would be facing. He said they wouldn’t allow Matsatsantsa to dominate them.
“We have nothing but respect for SuperSport. They are a quality team with many good players. It doesn’t matter who they decide to field on the day, their players are all equally good,” said Monama.
“But we too have good players. Some of us have played in this tournament before with other teams. We are more than capable of shocking them. We will give them a good game.”
The attacking midfielder was part of the Black Leopards team that went all the way to the final in 2011, only to lose to Orlando Pirates.
Back then Lidoda Duvha were plying their trade in the NFD, as is still the case today.
Monama said the tournament had never been a distraction to teams chasing promotion to the top flight.
“It’s good for morale. I’ve played in this tournament before and know how important it is to a team that is ambitious. The further we go in this tournament, the more experience the team will gain.
“We are still in the running for promotion and want to go a long way in this tournament.
“It will also be a good experience for young players. They get a chance to show off their talent and possible get noticed by PSL teams,” added Monama.
In their arsenal Eagles feature experienced former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela, Monama and Phumelele Bhengu, who won the cup with SuperSport last season by beating Pirates 3-1. They also have in-form striker Sedwyn George, the current leading goal-scorer in the NFD with 17 goals.
United returned from Sudan on Monday where they were beaten 2-1 by Al Ahly Shendi in their Caf Confederation Cup, first round, first leg clash.
Eagles know SuperSport may have weary legs after their long trip to North Africa and hope to be able to take advantage of the fact that they had to fly to Durban yesterday without getting any rest.
SuperSport and Shendi will clash in the second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday (6pm).
