Ronnie Kanalelo backs his side to shock Sundowns again in Carling Knockout

Gallants eliminated their more fancied opponents at this same stage of the competition last season, and went on to reach the final against Orlando Pirates.

Despite league results not going their way and sitting bottom of the table with no wins from eight played, he says history shows that Sundowns are not invincible, and will look to inflict the same pain on them when they meet on Tuesday.

"So basically, what we are saying is that Sundowns are beatable, and as long as they are beatable – it has happened before in the past in the said competition. That's what we are looking at. We are not going into this game handing it over on a silver platter – we are going to work for it, and they are also going to work for it. That 's the only thing I know," said Kanalelo.

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Sundowns will come into the match high in confidence having recently lifted the MTN8 title, but Kanalelo has warned them that his side will not be a walkover.

He believes any hint of arrogance will be to the Brazilians’ detriment.

While he turned out for and won titles with Sundowns in the late 90s, the Namibian made it clear where his loyalties lie now.

"That's where my loyalty is. We're not even talking about Sundowns; I was a footballer there. I did my work, and they were paying my salary. I then moved from there. I am in a different space; I'm wearing a different hat, which also pays my salary, and I must give them my full service and provide what the club wants, which is results."

Gallants fell desperately short of the trophy in 2025, losing 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the decider at Peter Mokaba stadium.

The 55-year-old boldly claimed that there’s no reason they can’t go one better this time around.