Tshepo Rikhotso eyes Carling Knockout upset against Mamelodi Sundowns

Gallants held their more fancied opponents to a 1-1 draw at Dr Molemela Stadium a week ago, and that has Rikhotso feeling bullish following the first round draw conducted this week. 

He says although Sundowns will be considered the favourites coming into that game, they have proved that they can give as good as they get against the league champions.

"The draw against Mamelodi Sundowns is a tough one, but they are the big team and we respect that, but we are also a big team and we want to make sure we stop them from scoring early," said Rikhotso.

"In the last game, we played 1-1 against them so I think it will be tougher for both sides because they can play and we can play."

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Rikhotso admitted that he would have preferred a less daunting opponent in the first round, but says they’re still not intimidated. 

"To be honest, I was hoping maybe not [to draw] Sundowns at this point. I was hoping maybe for a team like Magesi FC, Orbit College, so that we can gain our momentum and stuff," he admiteed.

"But it's ok. We are not afraid as a team, we want to make sure, when we play them, that we score more goals – I know it's going to be tougher, but I think we have good strikers up front."