Baroka out to eliminate Cosmos

Baroka FC will square off with Jomo Cosmos in the 2018-19 Nedbank Cup round of 32 match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm.

Bakgaga are heading into this cup clash winless in their last three Absa Premiership matches, having drawn 1-1 with Orlando Pirates away last week.

The 2015-16 Nedbank Cup semifinalists were booted out of last season's tournament in the quarterfinals by Kaizer Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Cosmos are wounded as they suffered their third successive defeat in the National First Division (NFD) when they lost to 2-1 to TS Sporting away over a week ago.

Ezenkosi, who won the Nedbank Cup when it was still known as the Bob Save Supa Bowl in 1990, were eliminated from last season's competition after losing to Real Kings in the first round.

PREVIOUS STARTING LINE-UPS

Baroka: Chipezeze, Semenya, Sibiya, Gebhardt, Banda, Madigoe, Mosele, Mabeba, Makgaka, Sodi, Dickens.

Jomo Cosmos: Buthelezi, Zondi, Stanley Umokoro, Lebahi, Hanamub, S. Ledwaba, Maziya, C.Gie, Mbokoma, Jnr Sono, Mncube.

WHAT ARE THE TEAMS SAYING?

Baroka FC midfielder Talent Chawapiwa

“We have to respect all the teams we will play against. It doesn’t matter whether they are from lower leagues or PSL,” he said.

“We have to play to our best on Tuesday. Cosmos are well-known team in the country and will come energised as they will want to prove a point.”

Jomo Cosmos coach Jomo Sono

“It is a tall order for us. We would like to go far, but sometimes it’s not good to daydream," he said

"We play a Baroka team who beat Orlando Pirates in a cup final and drew away to Mamelodi Sundowns. They held Pirates to a draw again (on Tuesday)."

BAROKA KEY PLAYERS

Elvis Chipezeze: The Zimbabwe international has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the country. Chipezeze will be looking to play an important role in helping his side reach the last 16.

Jemondre Dickens: The promising forward has been a revelation for Bakgaga this season, having helped the team win the Telkom Knockout Cup. Dickens will be keen to inspire Baroka to victory over Cosmos.

JOMO COSMOS KEY PLAYERS

Dahou Ange Lebahi: The Ivorian defender is Cosmos' inspirational captain, having made 13 appearances in the National First Division (NFD) this season. Lebahi will be eager to lead Cosmos to victory in Polokwane.

Vusimuzi Mncube: The hard-working forward has been one of Cosmos' key players this season as the team looks to retain its status in the NFD. Mncube will be looking to score and help his side advance to the last 16.