Mariveni United coach Tapfumaneyi Dodo has issued a warning to Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their Nedbank Cup last-32 encounter at the Lucas Moripe Stadium tonight. Sundowns enter this week’s Ke Yona clash still licking their wounds after the 1-0 loss to Cape Town City in the Premiership on Friday, although that result marked the Brazilians’ first defeat in their last seven league outings. Dodo, though, has since promised a tough match for PSL champions Sundowns and believes his ABC Motsepe League side can cause a major upset in the Nedbank Cup tournament this year. “Playing against Sundowns is a great motivation for my players. You need to play the champions to beat the champions,” said Dodo.

“The game will be difficult but if they take us for granted we will surprise them. We know them, they don’t know us. We know each and every player and this gives us advantages going into the game against Sundowns,” he added. United are originally from Tzaneen in Limpopo and Dodo admits it will be the first time for some of his players to play in a venue as illustrious as the Lucas Moripe Stadium. However, he says they are ready to make their village proud with a good performance against the African champions. “This means a lot to our village. Some never believed that their kids can get such an opportunity and now they are supporting us,” he said.