12 December 2019, by: Leonard Solms
Telkom Knockout Final Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns v Maritzburg United
Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to quench their thirst for cup trophies at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in Saturday’s 2019 Telkom Knockout final (18:00 kick-off).
Pitso Mosimane’s men have won four Premiership titles and a CAF Champions League trophy in the last five and a half years. Even so, the Brazilians have not lifted a domestic cup since the Telkom Knockout four seasons ago.
Maritzburg United themselves have faced disappointment in a cup final recently. In 2018, they lost 1-0 to Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup after beating Sundowns 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Lebohang Maboe was on the scoresheet for the Team of Choice that day. He is likely to feature for Masandawana this time, but the frontman is suffering from a case of second season syndrome after impressing in his first campaign at Chloorkop.
Maboe was an unused substitute as Sundowns beat Stellenbosch 3-1 in the league on Wednesday. It was not the smoothest ride, but this is hardly surprising given Sundowns jam-packed fixture list.
Mosimane’s squad management is once again paying off to perfection, as Sundowns remain in contention on all fronts. It is still early days for Masandawana, but for the time being, they will be firmly focused on Saturday.
Sundowns enjoy superb support in all corners of the country, but Maritzburg will be in their home province.
Eric Tinkler’s team have lost just one of their last 11 games, so they certainly have the potential to stand up to any side in the country. En route to the final, they eliminated strong teams in Bidvest Wits, Highlands Park and Kaizer Chiefs.
Sundowns have had a smoother ride on paper in the League Cup, beating AmaZulu, Chippa United and Golden Arrows.
There have been seven penalty shootouts from 14 games so far at the 2019 Telkom Knockout. An eighth is predicted given the wind in Maritzburg’s sails at present and the strength of Sundowns. However, Masandawana are tipped to win the spot-kick battle.
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Maritzburg United Win:
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Draw:
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Mamelodi Sundowns Win:
Prediction: 1-1 Draw, Sundowns Win On Penalties
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Leonard Solms is a sports journalist who features regularly on various local and international platforms including ESPN, New Frame, FARPost, Tagged Online and Careers Magazine, as well as this one. He enjoys the occasional bet and the most important tip he can give you is to bet within your means.
