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Cape Town - Tshwane derby rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and University of Pretoria will look to draw first blood in the last 16 of the Telkom Knockout at the Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
Read: Zwane unfazed by compliments
Pitso Mosimane’s PSL champions are in prime form heading into the cup, having claimed a third successive win when they cruised to a 3-0 victory at Polokwane City last weekend.
Sundowns reached the quarterfinals of last year’s Telkom Knockout before they were beaten 2-1 by eventual champions Platinum Stars.
The side from Chloorkop team have played in 19 Telkom Knockout matches since the tournament’s inception in 2006, recording 11 wins, two draws and six defeats. They have lost both of the penalty shootouts they have been involved in.
The Brazilians have twice reached the final in the Telkom Knockout era (2007/08 & 2012/13), but failed to claim the trophy on either occasion.
In League Cup history, ‘Downs have won the tournament twice (1990 & 1999) and ended as runners-up four times (1997, 1998, 2007 & 2012).
In contrast to 'Downs form, the University of Pretoria have gone four league matches without a win after drawing 0-0 away to Platinum Stars in their last PSL outing.
Steve Barker’s charges were eliminated in the last 16 of the 2013 Telkom Knockout, losing 1-0 away to Moroka Swallows.
The Tshwane team has played two Telkom Knockout matches since the tournament’s inception in 2006, losing both 1-0.
AmaTuks will be looking to go past the last 16 stage for the first time in their club history in the 2014 Telkom Knockout.
In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Tuks have met in just one previous cup match. That encounter took place in the 2012 Telkom Knockout, with the Brazilians winning 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from Anthony Laffor.
Overall, the teams have met in five matches across all competitions since 2012/13. Sundowns boast an unbeaten record, with three wins and two draws from the quintet of games.
The Brazilians have won two of the three matches in which they have hosted their Pretoria rivals, with the other encounter ending in a draw.
Kick-off is at 17:30 on Saturday, October 4.
