Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi is confident his side are ready to square off against Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup on Friday.

The Brazilian will do battle with Richards Bay in the round of 32 of the Nedbank Cup when they meet at the Princess Magogo Stadium, with kick off set for 6pm.

Coach Mngqithi has expressed his confidence that his team are ready to return to action following the PSL break.

“We unfortunately have to start with the Nedbank Cup away from home, but we will have to give it our best shot. I’m very confident [that] the team is ready to start [the second round of] the season, but we have to take each game as it comes and not be too confident because that can be dangerous,” Mngqithi told his club’s official website.

“The team is looking very interesting, you must treat the game with a lot of respect and a lot of humility. You must understand that it will not be easy to play against Richards Bay, because they are a team with a lot of pedigree in this tournament, they’ve beaten Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, you must be worried that as such a big team that we don’t get into that history of being another one. It will be a very difficult match [but] all our preparations are geared towards trying to make sure that we do the best that we can.”

The Sundowns mentor added that his side will have their work cut out for them when they take on Richards Bay, who are currently sitting at the top of the GladAfrica Championship with nine wins, five draws and only three defeats in 17 matches.

“It will be a very difficult match, all our preparations are geared towards trying to make sure that we do the best that we can, and play the game and give it all the respect that it deserves,” the Sundowns boss added.

“This is one of the most difficult matches that any coach would want to play, because everybody is expecting a draw. I’m also glad that I will be playing against one of the coaches that are coming from a province that I like so much.”