The Citizens lock horns with The Brazilians in their quarter-final clash on Sunday afternoon, with a spot in the last four in the competition up for grabs.
Nodada has been a standout performer for his club this season, with his high work-rate in the centre of the park earning a number of plaudits, yet he’ll be up against some of the best in his position in the country as he prepares to face the likes of Hlompho Kekana and Tiyani Mabunda – a battle he is eagerly anticipating.
“It’s exciting to come up against them, to play against the champions of Africa, to test myself and most of all, to get the win,” Nodada says with confidence.
The squad have had ample time to prepare for the clash following the Fifa international break, which Nodada feels has worked in their favour.
“The break has been very positive,” he says. “I think we needed the rest coming from the CAF games, the league and the cup. Coming back fresh, with everyone keen to play, is a nice feeling.”
City won the Telkom Knockout last season before reaching the MTN8 final this term, yet with their league aspirations having slipped from their grasp, Sunday’s encounter provides one last opportunity to achieve silverware this campaign.
But the pressure riding on this game won’t get to the players, Nodada insists.
“I don’t think it plays in our heads as much, but yes, we were in a final last season and we won, and were in a final at the start of this season but came up short,” he acknowledges. “So this is an opportunity for us to continue that and hopefully get a trophy this season.”
Whatever the result, Nodada says he has been pleased with his showing for City so far, having featured in 26 matches across all domestic competitions, and is proud of his performances this campaign.
“I think I’ve done very well for myself – I think I’ve done the coach proud, I hope,” he says. “I’ve done myself proud, my family proud, and I just need to keep working hard and going for more.”