Sekhukhune United to count on the old guard to bounce back

One of those senior figures is defender Daniel Cardoso, who is ready to assume the responsibility to help pick up the pieces after Babina Noka suffered three successive defeats in the DStv Premiership.

The former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back says calm heads are necessary.

"It's needed at this time, I mean, last season we went very far in the Nedbank Cup, and it looks like the cup games are [more appealing]," said Cardoso.

"Like I said, it's once-off and extra motivation is R100 000 for the man of the match, so it gives players more motivation to go our and run harder.

"I hope that's the case this weekend, and obviously the senior boys lifting the team up and rising to challenge in knowing what we have to do."

Galaxy put Sekhukhune to the sword last weekend with a 2-0 win in the league, and they are seemingly favourites going into the cup tie.

But, with pressure mounting, Cardoso sees Saturday’s game as a way to redeem themselves.

"Look, it's a cup game, we lost 2-0 – not the best result for us, but we [have to] bounce back and we take the pressure," he added.

"It's not the easiest game, I mean TS Galaxy have been doing well, they beat Sundowns in the cup so they've also got lots of inspiration.

"But we're not playing in midweek, which is a positive to us, and hopefully we go there with more energy."