Second-tier clubs chase upsets in Nedbank Cup

Second-tier clubs such as the University of Pretoria, Milford FC, Hungry Lions and Maritzburg United will have the chance to claim major scalps as the Round of 16 in the Nedbank Cup is held from Wednesday, 13 to Sunday, 17 March.

The first such example sees in-form AmaTuks (13 matches unbeaten, second on the Motsepe Foundation Championship log) welcome struggling Moroka Swallows (12 matches without an outright win) in Pretoria on Wednesday night.

“There will be a couple of players that we will bring through this tournament [Nedbank Cup], which is important for us. I’m of the view that they are going to take the opportunity with two hands and deliver and showcase their talent to the whole continent,” said University of Pretoria coach Tlisani Motaung, as his side chase a win in a repeat of the 2009 Nedbank Cup final.

Thursday brings an all-Premiership clash as Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu battle in Polokwane, while Friday sees Milford FC – the team which famously eliminated Kaizer Chiefs in the previous round – lock horns with Stellenbosch FC at the Princess Magogo Stadium.

“They [Stellenbosch] are now aware of us and what we can do,” said Milford chairman Dr Pupuma Xanti.

Saturday sees ABC Motsepe League team Ravens FC face Premiership club Chippa United at Buffalo City Stadium for an Eastern Cape derby, at the same time that an all-top-flight clash between Richards Bay and SuperSport United is played at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

“We draw, draw, draw, so what can we do?” said a frustrated SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt after a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu in the league this past weekend. “But you know, with the squad we’ve got and the youngsters we’ve got, we are doing okay, but it is what it is.”

Saturday’s late kick-off pits defending champions Orlando Pirates against Hungry Lions at the Orlando Stadium. The Buccaneers will be flying high after last weekend’s Soweto derby win over Chiefs, but their second-tier opponents have nothing to lose and will chase an upset win that would make headlines across the country.

Sunday closes out the last 16 round with ABC Motsepe League team D’General FC hosting TS Galaxy at the Free State Stadium, before Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Maritzburg United to the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

The Brazilians have found the Team of Choice to be tough opponents in cup competitions down the years, with the KwaZulu-Natal club eliminating their Tshwane counterparts from the 2010 Telkom Knockout quarterfinals, 2017 MTN8 quarterfinals and the 2018 Nedbank Cup semifinals across six knockout meetings.

The eight winners will progress into the quarterfinals, which are scheduled to be played on the second weekend of April.

Nedbank Cup Last 16 fixtures

Times CAT

Wednesday, 13 March

7pm: University of Pretoria v Moroka Swallows

Thursday, 14 March

7pm: Sekhukhune United v AmaZulu FC

Friday, 15 March

7pm: Milford FC v Stellenbosch FC

Saturday, 16 March

3pm: Chippa United v Ravens FC

3pm: Richards Bay v SuperSport United