AmaZulu may find themselves on the wrong side of Sundowns' Nedbank Cup relief

The recent postponement of the Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United might have inadvertently placed AmaZulu in a very delicate position. 

Originally scheduled for Saturday at Lucas Moripe Stadium, this fixture has now been delayed, and while many would argue it could be a blessing in disguise for Sundowns, the reality is that it could spell trouble for AmaZulu.

In what was supposed to be a thrilling Saturday of Nedbank Cup action, the match between Sundowns and Sekhukhune became one of three high-profile clashes. 

The other two fixtures involved SuperSport United taking on Orlando Pirates at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, and Stellenbosch FC facing Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. But, in a twist that no one saw coming, a double-booking at Lucas Moripe Stadium led to the Sundowns vs Sekhukhune game being called off. 

A simple scheduling error has now placed both teams in an unexpected scenario — one that could have serious consequences for AmaZulu. The timing of the postponement couldn’t be worse for Arthur Zwane’s men. Sundowns, long known for their ruthless consistency, have now been gifted with an extra six days of rest. 

This is an advantage that could prove to be a game-changer in the buildup to their next clash with AmaZulu, which is set to take place on Tuesday in Pretoria. 

Let’s not forget that Sundowns have been playing under an unrelenting fixture schedule for weeks now, with coach Miguel Cardoso calling the PSL’s packed calendar “inhumane.”

The Brazilians have barely had enough time to catch their breath between matches for the past two months. Their performances against Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows were proof of that — granted, they managed to get results, but fatigue was evident.

However, this unanticipated break — six days to rest, recover, and recharge — could shift the momentum in their favor at just the right time.

And it is this very shift that could be a double-edged sword for AmaZulu.

For Zwane and his squad, this will not just be a matter of focusing on Sundowns' remarkable talent or their impeccable form. 

It’s about facing a team that, for the first time in months, will have had the luxury of ample time to recuperate. Sundowns' ability to dominate games, regardless of the schedule, is well documented. Now, with this extra rest, their already formidable squad will be even more dangerous — something that could play into AmaZulu’s hands … or cause them serious problems.

AmaZulu have shown glimpses of their quality this season, but they will need to be at their absolute best if they hope to get anything out of this encounter. Sundowns’ depth in talent, tactical nous, and recent rest could mean a far fresher and more prepared side come Tuesday. 

If AmaZulu are to have any hope of taking down the Brazilians, they’ll need to match Sundowns' intensity, discipline, and energy — qualities that Sundowns will undoubtedly have in abundance after their extended break.

AmaZulu have their work cut out for them — because Sundowns’ luck with the scheduling could turn into their nightmare.