“We have lots of positives going into this match,” commented coach Ernst Middendorp ahead of this afternoon’s epic sold-out Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash against Cape Town City.

“We have players who came back from their respective national team duties high in confidence, because their teams qualified for Afcon.”

An upbeat Middendorp watched his side going through the pre-match paces on Saturday afternoon.

“We are coming up against a very good team,” added the coach. “They are on a high and confident. They have interesting players, who are not only experienced but they have quality too.”

Khama Billiat scored for Zimbabwe and, together with Teenage Hadebe, helped his country qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Virgil Vries qualified with Namibia, while Daniel Cardoso and Bruce Bvuma will go to Egypt with Bafana Bafana. 

Daniel Akpeyi, meanwhile, qualified with Nigeria. The goalkeeper is, however, ineligible to play in Sunday afternoon’s Nedbank Cup encounter as he’s cup-tied.

“We have our ducks in a row,” commented Middendorp full of confidence, “you always wish to have the quality of the likes of Manyama or Mathoho in the side, but the players that are available are strong enough to outclass City.”

Chiefs will host City at the Mbombela Stadium. Kick-off is at 15:00.

The game has already been sold out, so no tickets are available anymore.

“We have a plan to win this match,” said Middendorp, while confirming that Virgil Vries won’t be part of the squad, because he picked up a hamstring injury while on national team duty.

Others still out due to an assortment of injuries are Itumeleng Khune, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Lebogang Mananyama, Joseph Molangoane, Happy Mashiane and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo.

“Every player that comes in will do the job for us,” concluded Middendorp, “we just have to go out there and do the necessary.”