Cape Town City midfielder Thabo Nodada will once again be a key figure in helping the Cape side emerge victorious against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

READ: Benni: Sundowns are different ‘animals’ at home

The Citizens have played just four games so far this campaign – three Absa Premiership and one MTN8 games, and ‘Kante’ has already walked away with two Man of the Match awards against Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows respectively.

Nodada has rose to promise during the last 12 months at City and became a key figure in the Citizens squad since Benni McCarthy took over the helm of the club.

Only 4 teams remain! The first trophy of the season will go to @CapeTownCityFC, Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns, or Supersport.

Who claims it this season? ?#MTN8 #WafaWafa pic.twitter.com/m8SJHSTqog

— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 22, 2018

The 23-year-old, Nodada is aware that it will be tough coming up against the likes of Sundowns in a cup semi-final, but he is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.

WATCH: Benni McCarthy’s MTN8 pre-match press conference

‘After the league draw at the weekend, our focus can now shift to preparing for Sundowns,’ Nodada said.

‘If there’s anything we have learnt from the first MTN8 game (against Maritzburg), it’s that teams generally play at a different intensity, more so when they face us.

‘We know that it’s not easy facing a team like Sundowns, they have quality all over the park, but the good thing is that they won’t sit back and wait for us. It’s always an open game, which gives us that extra bit of space to find pockets to operate in. We’ll put our all into this match and then look to complete the job away in the second leg.’

The match at Cape Town Stadium kicks off at 3pm.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix