PIC: Lucas Ribeiro (left) and Inacio Miguel

The Nedbank Cup semifinal between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 18h30) pits together two of the heavyweights of the South African game.
Sundowns are unbeaten in their last 12 games against Chiefs (they have won nine of those), but you can never write off an AmaKhosi side that is hungry for a first piece of silverware in a decade.
We look at some of the key match-ups on the field on Sunday.   

LUCAS SUÁREZ VS GLODY LILEPO

Both of these players were January arrivals at their respective clubs but have started life in South Africa very well. Argentine centreback Suarez has looked a cut above the rest for The Brazilians and even managed a maiden goal against Sekhukhune United. But he is in the side to defend and will look to keep DR Congo winger Lilepo quiet. The latter has scored twice in 12 appearances since his arrival, netting the winner against Stellenbosch FC and in the 4-1 loss to SuperSport United. He looks a handful and will be one of Chiefs’ key attacking threats.

JAYDEN ADAMS VS THABO CELE

Two more new arrivals at their clubs and again, they have started really well, with Adams perhaps exceeding expectations at Sundowns. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made it clear he was not his signing when he came in, yet has earned himself a regular spot on the back of some fine displays, including goals in back-to-back games for Bafana Bafana. Cele finally gets a crack at the PSL after years abroad and has been a top edition to the Chiefs midfield with his energy and passing range. This could be a key battle in terms of who gets ascendency in the game.

LUCAS RIBEIRO VS INACIO MIGUEL

Ribeiro is the form forward in South African football at present with his goals and assists, and keeping him quiet will be an absolute must from Chiefs’ point of view, or they will lose the game. Ribeiro already has 16 goals this season in all competitions and is well on his way break the 20-goal barrier. Centre-back Miguel has been a stand-out performer in a team that has blown hot and cold this season, and is comfortably the leader in terms of minutes played this season for the club at 2,294. He is one of the first names on the Chiefs teamsheet for his consistent performances at the back. These two will also be able to have a word or two in Portuguese, adding spice to the contest.