Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi is expecting a very difficult encounter when they take on Polokwane City in the quarter-finals of the MTN8.

The Brazilians are set to welcome Rise and Shine to the Lucas Moripe Stadium when the two side’s meet in MTN8 competition on Sunday.

However, Mngqithi is relishing the chance to kickstart their campaign on a positive note, having previously had trouble in this competition.

“I wouldn’t really want to say much because at this stage, it’s very difficult to know where teams stand,” Mngqithi told his club’s official website.

“Friendly matches never really give you a true reflection of where a team is because sometimes that element of pressure is never really tested, and it’s always difficult to predict what it’s going to happen.

“Coming to our game against Polokwane City, I think it’s going to be a tough one. It is a big deal for teams like Polokwane City to be in the top 8. That says a lot about our league now.

“It says there is a lot of competition. A team that had just come from the NFD is now in the PSL and had a very good first round of the season.

“I also believe that their coach is a very good young coach. We have played against him several times, so I know what he is capable of. It’s going to be interesting because this is a competition that has always been difficult for us.”

Mamelodi Sundowns against Polokwane City kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.