Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila will go head to head with defending champions Marumo Gallants in a Nedbank Cup semifinal match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Friday.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
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Tshakhuma reached this stage of the South African FA Cup after defeating five-time winners SuperSport United 3-2 in extra-time in a quarterfinal match at home on April 8.
Vhadau Vha Damani are coming into this Limpopo Derby match having secured a morale-boosting 3-2 victory over Jomo Cosmos at home in the GladAfrica Championship encounter last weekend.
The victory eased TTM's relegation fears as they have struggled in the GladAfrica Championship this term, but their form in the Nedbank Cup has been good having scored nine goals in four games.
Tshakhuma head coach Lucky Nelukau has cautioned his Gallants counterpart Dan Malesela by stating that he could soon follow coaches who have been dismissed by their clubs after they lose to TTM.
“It was not my wish. We played against Free State Stars (Innocent) Mayoyo was fired, we played against SuperSport (Kaitano) Tembo was fired, we played against Golden Arrows, Lehlohonolo Seema was fired,” Nelukau said.
“We played against Jomo Cosmos; they are in trouble. So if you come and face me, that’s what you will face. ‘Dan Dance, you must be aware. I am not worried (about him); he is the worried one.
"That’s why he came to watch our game (against Cosmos). I never watch Marumo Gallants' games because I am not worried about them. I know those players. They are my former players.”
Meanwhile, Gallants sneaked into the semifinals after they claimed the Limpopo Derby bragging rights as they defeated Baroka FC 1-0 at home in a quarterfinal match on April 9.
However, the win over Baroka is Bahlabane Ba Ntwa's only victory in their last six matches across all competitions having recorded two successive draws in the DStv Premiership after they overcame Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele.
Galants, who are winless in their five matches in the local top flight, will play away for the first time in this season's Nedbank Cup when they take on Tshakhuma.
Malesela provided an injury update on his players and he also responded to Nelukau's comments as he looks to go all the way and win the Nedbank Cup for the second time as a coach having lifted it with TS Galaxy in 2019.
"Ayanda (Nkili) will be out completely, Thabo (Mnyamane]) will probably be back. The doctor said it is just a bruise and it is just that it was too painful for him to continue [against SuperSport]," Malesela said.
"We are getting thinner by the day in terms of injuries [that affecting our camp] and it is injuries that are mostly caused by somebody else. But we are hoping that Junior [Sede Dion] will be back this week so that we have some bit of strength upfront.
"I have heard people talking in football for a long time, talking doesn't play football. That's why I don't resort to mind games, because they are just a waste of time."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila
Tumi Ngwebe: The 27-year-old midfielder is the man who makes Tshakhuma tick having produced a Man of the Match performance as his side stunned SuperSport. Ngwebe's performance could be key to a Vhadau Vha Damani win over their Limpopo rivals.
Rhulani Manzini: The experienced marksman has managed to revive his career at Tshakhuma this season having netted nine goals across all competitions including two in the Nedbank Cup. His imposing physique and powerful shots could create problems for Gallants.
Marumo Gallants
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo: The influential playmaker has been Gallants' best player this term having produced consistent performances and netted eight goals across all competitions. Ndlondlo's delivery from set-pieces and brilliant link-up play are likely to unsettle Tshakhuma.
Junior Sede Dion: The Ivorian centre forward has arguably been among the best players in this season's Nedbank Cup having netted three goals from three games including the winner against Baroka. Dion will be looking to score another decisive goal in the Limpopo Derby.