PIC: Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi

Two thrilling Nedbank Cup semifinals will be played on Sunday with the four remaining teams in the competition one win away from a place in the prestigious final.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates host Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Stadium at 15h00, while Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Kaizer Chiefs to Loftus Stadium at 18h00.
Here is what the teams have had to say in the build-up to Sunday’s clashes as they seek to make history in the Nedbank Cup.

JOSE RIVEIRO, ORLANDO PIRATES COACH

“It’s a new story on Sunday. It’s a knockout game and it will be a game of consequences, and there are only two possible results. The other games that we play usually have three possible results, and it affects the approach to the game.

“This is a different story, as there is a possibility to go to a final, and it requires a different way to look at the game from both teams. We have a different experience in this type of competition.

“We are going to try to recover as quickly as possible in a short space of time to be prepared for the game as best as we can, and to do our best to be in the final, with whatever it takes.

“In the Nedbank Cup, it will be the same type of approach. We are trying to play every game like those types of games. Every competition this season is helping us get better.”

MATOME MATHIANE, MARUMO GALLANTS DEFENDER

“We’re very confident about the game. We know what we’re up against and we’re well prepared. There’s a lot of self-motivation. We all know what’s at stake – if we win, we qualify for CAF and get a chance to play continental football.

“For us, this match is like a final because it gives us two big opportunities: playing in the CAF Confederation Cup and contesting the Nedbank Cup final.

“Our strikers need to make the most of the chances we create. Even the small opportunities – we have to convert them. And at the back, we must stay solid.”

MIGUEL CARDOSO, MAMELODI SUNDOWNS COACH

“With this match, we are approaching the final of the competition. You’ll see the level of the opponents rises. We will be up against one of the historical and top teams in South Africa. We need to pay strong attention to Chiefs.

“Chiefs are always a very strong team, well coached by coach Nasreddine Nabi. We need to take ourselves to the limit to win the match and go on to the final of this competition.

“As I said from the very beginning, it’s our objective to arrive at the decisive moment of a championship match. We need to push Mamelodi Sundowns (players) to the highest level, to the highest level of motivation.

“This highest level must offer the capacity to play, as well as to overcome the difficulties that naturally will appear during a 90-minute clash.

“We hope that in this, match, considering what we are playing for, we have the style of game we are playing for, and for the opponent we are playing against.”

NASREDDINE NABI, KAIZER CHIEFS COACH

“We’re trying to build our team in this first year. It’s a process, but if we get an opportunity to win a trophy while we’re still building our team, why not?

"We play to win, but there’s no pressure inside because the project is under way. We agreed with the board that the process will take two or three years, and after those years, then we’ll be a better team that can play for cups and even for CAF tournaments.

"If we don’t win this trophy, we have to continue working. Will I be under pressure if we lose this one? No, no! The real pressure is social, where people’s salaries are finished a day after payday ... you need to pay school fees for your child, that’s real pressure.

“But is losing a game and still receiving a big salary pressure? I don’t have pressure, but I have respect for the fans and for the club.”