Denis Onyango rues Mamelodi Sundowns' re-scheduled Nedbank Cup tie with Sekhukhune United but says 'We have no choice! We would have loved to play it a couple of weeks back'

Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United were scheduled to play each other in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final a couple of weeks ago.

However, logistical challenges led to the changes, and the game will now be staged at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Friday.

The defending Premier Soccer League champions have played a lot of matches this season, most of which were played in a short time.

They took part in the MTN8, Carling Knockout, initial stages of the Caf Champions League, and the Nedbank Cup.

Most of the Masandawana players are also regulars with their respective national teams, explaining why they are at risk of being fatigued.

Denis Onyango feels it is a disadvantage to the team since players will not have that little space they crave ahead of the season finale.

"Preparations going into the Nedbank Cup are going well. Of course, we would have loved to play [the match] a couple of weeks back – the game was postponed, and we were in camp, slept in a hotel, and you know how it is when we prepare for a game," the Ugandan said ahead of the game.

"But we're looking forward to the game once again, even though some guys were with the national team, and they will come in and join us for just a few days.

"But we have no choice; we have to play because we have a lot of games in terms of the league, Champions League, and, of course, the Nedbank Cup," the 39-year-old continued.

"The guys are looking forward to it, and everyone given the opportunity has to give his best because we are all here to play.

"I think the game on Friday will give us one more game before we play the Champions League game against Esperance on Tuesday. But so far so good and we're looking forward to it," Onyango concluded.

Last season, Sundowns reached the final of the annual competition but were undone by the defending champions Orlando Pirates.

If they get past Babina Noko, the next assignment will be against Kaizer Chiefs, a team they have already beaten three times this season across all competitions.

They can fancy their chances of going all the way and winning the elusive silverware.