SuperSport’s big-game plans for Nedbank Cup final

Saturday’s showdown for the Nedbank Cup has stirred up excitement among local soccer fans, enthused by the might of Orlando Pirates risking their reputation against giant-killing Sekhukhune United.

Cup competition invariably offers such thrills, which SuperSport will highlight during its sweeping match-day special, which begins at 5pm, ahead of the 6pm kick-off (SuperSport PSL and SuperSport Variety 4).

In-studio analysis will be driven by Thomas Mlambo, who will have former Pirates player Phumudzo Manenzhe and Bongani Khumalo, the former Wits and SuperSport United stalwart, gauging the form and prospects of both sides. The pair bring razor-sharp scrutiny to programming, ensuring engaging build-up to the season-ending fixture.

Award-winning Mark Gleeson will be on commentary in Pretoria alongside Stanton Fredericks, whose knowledge of local players is outstanding.

Thato Moeng and Lwazi Ziqubu will be reporting from pitch-side with renowned former Bafana Bafana star Teko Modise supplying touchline commentary.

In keeping with the big-match occasion, SuperSport will have 18 cameras on-site, including exotic ones like ultra-slow, super-slow and an aerial camera. These will be supplemented by augmented reality and virtual reality graphics.

Orlando Pirates will be making their 18th appearance in the final of the Nedbank Cup since 1971, and will be bidding for a ninth title. They will also be looking to win two trophies in the same season for the first time since 2011-12, having already claimed the MTN 8.

By contrast, Sekhukhune United are in their first major cup final. In an ironic twist, it will be the third season running that a Limpopo-based team is in the final.

In a bonus for DStv viewers, the final will also be available to DStv Access customers. The action will be broadcast on SS PSL and Variety 4, and will additionally be available for streaming via the DStv app.

FREE GAUTRAIN SERVICE FOR NEDBANK CUP FINAL TICKET HOLDERS

Gautrain is supporting the Nedbank Cup Final by offering a free service to spectators attending the event. This will be applicable only on the Gautrain Commuter Link, (Johannesburg to Tshwane) also known as North/South line. The details are as follows:

Train Service to Hatfield Station:

• Gautrain Park, Marlboro, Midrand, and Centurion Stations

• The free service to the stadium is available from 13h00-17h00

• Game ticket holders are requested to show a valid ticket (physical/virtual) and will receive a Gautrain armband giving them access to the train and bus shuttle service to and from Loftus

• Trains will operate a 20-minute interval from 09:00 on the NS line

• Please note that there is limited parking available at the Gautrain stations

• There will be promoters at the 4 stations and Hatfield Station to assist

Gautrain Bus Shuttle Service between Hatfield Station and Loftus:

• A Gautrain bus shuttle service will run on demand between Hatfield Station and Loftus stadium for guests with Gautrain armbands

• The Bus shuttle service will run from 13h00 on demand

• All passengers require Gautrain armbands to utilise the late-night service (armbands are not available at Hatfield Station)

• The Gautrain bus shuttle service will drop off and pick up guests on Arcadia street, at the Orient street intersection, 2 blocks from the stadium

• The last bus will depart from Loftus Stadium one hour after the conclusion of the award ceremony

Late-Night Train Service from Hatfield Station:

• Gautrain Stations (Excluding: Hatfield, Centurion, Midrand, Marlboro and Park) will close according to standard operating times

• A special free train service will run from Hatfield Station starting at 19h00 to the four origin stations only (Park, Marlboro, Midrand, and Centurion Stations) based on demand

• All passengers require Gautrain armbands to utilise the late-night service

• Armbands will enable exit from the Station parking at Park, Marlboro, Midrand, and Centurion Stations. There is no free parking at Hatfield Station

• The special train service will depart in accordance with the bus shuttle services, ending an hour after the conclusion of the award ceremony

• Gautrain stations will close once the last train has arrived and passengers have left.

*Standard Gautrain rules will apply, including no eating or drinking on the train, bus or at stations.