DURBAN – Mamelodi Sundowns midfield ace Themba Zwane doesn’t feel they have a point to prove against Bloemfontein Celtic in the first round of the Telkom Knockout.
The Brazilians will face Celtic at Lucas Moripe Stadium next Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Sundowns were undone by the referee’s decision two weeks back against Celtic in an Absa Premiership tussle at Dr Molemela Stadium.
Zwane, who was adjudged to be in an offside position – though not interfering with play – against Celtic, wants his side to go all the way and capture the TKO.
“It is not about proving a point. We want to win the game,” Zwane explained.
“We all know the goal which was deemed to be offside was a clear goal. The fact we are playing them again, we need to win.
“If you check, we haven’t won games in a row. That’s something we want to develop now.”
Sundowns missed out in the MTN8 as they were dumped out of the competition by eventual champions Cape Town City in the semi-finals.
“Each and every cup is very important for us. We will try and push to win the Telkom Knockout. We will work hard to win the cup,” Zwane said.
Sundowns lifted the Telkom in 2015 by beating Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 in the final in Durban.
“We have quality players in the squad to compete on all fronts. We need to compete. We will win some of the cups this season,” Zwane said with confidence.
In addition to the PSL and Telkom, Sundowns will begin their Caf Champions League journey in December.
“We have a big squad. We are slowly but surely getting there. Everything is coming alright. We need to gain momentum, and win games consistently,” said Zwane, who has missed a few matches because of a toe injury.
“Injuries have hampered my progress. I’ve missed a number of games for Bafana Bafana and Sundowns.
“I’m back now and fully recovered. I’m ready to rediscover my form.”
With the scores locked at 1-1, time running out, up step Mshishi! pic.twitter.com/DSb2BBUKAd
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) October 14, 2018
Sundowns have struggled to find consistency this season in the league after the departure of Percy Tau and Khama Billiat.
“It is still too early to talk about the league. Even all the cups remaining, we will try and push to win them. We are having a slow start, but we will pick up. We have good quality,” Zwane concluded.
Telkom Knockout Fixtures
Saturday, October 20
3.30pm, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium: Baroka FC v Golden Arrows; Goble Park: Free State Stars v Wits
6pm, Lucas Moripe Stadium: Mamelodi Sundowns v Bloemfontein Celtic
8.15pm, Harry Gwala Stadium: Maritzburg United v Highlands Park; Orlando Stadium: Orlando Pirates v Chippa United
Sunday, October 21
3.30pm, FNB Stadium: Kaizer Chiefs v Black Leopards; Old Peter Mokaba Stadium: Polokwane City v SuperSport United
Tuesday, October 23
7.30pm, King Zwelithini Stadium: AmaZulu v Cape Town City
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