Pretoria University coach Steve Barker believes that 'Tuks' will defeat Moroka Swallows and make history by becoming the first National First Division side to win the Nedbank Cup.

The two sides will meet in the Nedbank Cup Final at the Rand Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

But, 'Tuks' will have to achieve this feat without captain Obert Moyo and holding midfielder Andile Jali who are both serving suspension.

"But," said Barker, "it's bad losing my captain and key midfielder but now it is the chance for two other heroes to step forward and make names for themselves. Despite this setback I am quietly confident we have the measure and can beat Swallows."

Pretoria City ? now SuperSport United ? and Mpumalanga Black Aces are the only other First Division sides to have reached this cup final. Aces were beaten 1-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in last year inaugural Nedbank Cup final while City were beaten by defunct Cape Town Spurs in the 1995 final, which was then known as the Bob Save Super Bowl, the year City won promotion.

Barker is likely to give up an coming youngster, Mpho Matsi, the job of partnering Warren Bishop at the heart of the AmaTuks defence, while Zakhele Ndhlovu is in line to play the midfield anchor role vacated by Jali.

Barker has not decided who will be captain on the day, but either Bishop or midfielder Manti Moholo is set to wear the skipper's armband.

Barker said the players have recovered from the disappointment of failing to qualify for the PSL promotion playoffs.

Said Barker: "We have had three weeks break. It was a blessing in disguise as I was able to give the players a few days off and they have returned full of fire, mentally and physically refreshed. Barker, a former Wits University midfielder, said he watched the Birds lose 2-0 to his former club in the final match of the PSL season at Milpark recently.

"Swallows looked like they were playing their last league game of the season, but I am not going to be lulled into a false sense of security. I have a healthy respect for them and they too will have had a break and time to recharge their batteries."

Barker said the key would be for his side to play their normal game. They have won five matches on their road to the final which included three PSL scalps in Kaizer Chiefs, Bloemfontein Celtic and Ajax Cape Town.

"We have performed well in the Cup and I have told the players to continue the way we have been playing and they can realise their dream. Every one of my players are good enough to play in the PSL and they have proved that. If Swallows underestimate usit could be fatal.

"But I doubt they would make that mistake after the way we reached the final. I believe Swallows will be a tough nut to crack but they are not unbeatable and my players have a huge belief in their ability and they are hungry for success and write their names into the soccer history books."

Swallows, after a brilliant start to their PSL campaign, have slipped badly and failed to reach the top eight. The cup final is their only hope of salvaging what has turned into a disappointing season for Brazilian coach Julio Leal and his players.