Mamelodi Sundowns players have revealed what everyone else knows, that their next opponents in the Nedbank Cup, Free State Stars are probably the revelation side in the ABSA premiership this season and that the PSL log leaders will have to dig deeper to beat them in the semi-finals of the richest knockout tournament in South Africa.

Following the draw conducted on Monday by Nedbank Cup organisers, the Pretoria giants will face tricky opponents Stars in the first semi-final on May 5 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria. Kick off time is 8pm.

One of Sundowns' captains this season Method Mwanjale has admited that Stars will be tough to beat and are the hardest obstacle in his club's bid to win a double this season.

"It will be a tough game for us at the end of the day whether we play
home or away, what we have to do is to work hard as a team and try to
win this game.



"They are a good team it will be a very tough game for us. But we have
the potential to win this trophy, it's up to us as players to work hard
against Free State Stars and whatever outcome it will be a bonus for
us," Mwanjale said.

The Zimbabwean was happy though to be playing Stars at home.

"We are happy to be playing at home because we will have our supporters rallying behind us."

The former Zimbabwe Warriors captain needs to be reminded though that Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, whom Pirates have beaten on their way to the semi-finals were playing at home when Steve Khompela's side triumphed over them.

Mwanjale's team mate Elias Pelembe echoed his captain's sentiments.

"Who are we playing against? Free State Stars? That's a tough one, they will be a difficult team to beat," he said.



"If you are playing against a team like Free State Stars in the
semi-final then it becomes difficult because this is a stage where all
the teams believe that they can win the Cup. People might think that
Sundowns will win this Cup but it won't be as simple as that," the Mozambican said.

In the other semi-final, Supersport United will host tricky and unpredictable Amazulu at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 6 May. Kick-Off for that match is 3pm.