Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes his side will have a difficult task against Bidvest Wits in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final, as the Clever Boys are desperate to win a trophy in their last season following their sale to TTM.

The Students are gearing up for one last dance in the PSL following the sale of their top-flight status to GladAfrica Championship side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

Almost since the sale has been announced, coach Gavin Hunt and his players spoke of the chance to go out on a high by winning the Nedbank Cup.

This has not gone unnoticed by Mosimane, who believes they will prioritise the cup over the league and has called on his players to be wary of the wounded lion.

‘We have a big game against Wits, of course, and if you listen to their statements‚ they’re saying that they want to go out in style‚’ Mosimane told ‘. “Obviously there are a lot of incentives for the [Wits] players and the coaches [to win the cup]‚ so that’s why they’ve prioritised the Nedbank Cup.

‘I’m saying what they’re saying in the media,’ he added. ‘They haven’t said anything about the league.

‘They have only spoken about the Cup‚ so that gives me an indication that the league is not the priority to them. I’m not talking on their behalf‚ but I’m talking about what they’ve said.

‘They want to win it and I know the character of the coach [Hunt] and the character of the team. So, I know how difficult it will be and this is how I’m preparing my team.

‘I hope the message sinks in the systems of my players to know what they have and what they don’t … they must not say they’re playing a team that [has been] sold,’ said Mosimane. ‘They’re playing a team with the same players and same technical staff.

‘In fact‚ we’re facing a wounded lion and when you’re facing a wounded animal you know you will be in trouble if you are complacent and not being careful of how you step.

‘First, we’re going to give them the respect that they deserve‚ second it’s a semi-final it can go either way. It’s a big game‚ it’s a semi-final and it’s an emotional game.’

Wits and Downs clash at the Orlando Stadium in the Nedbank Cup semi-final on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 7:15pm.