TTM start title defence against in-form Arrows

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) will square off with Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.

Vhadau Vha Damani have been inconsistent form in the GladAfrica Championship having lost two of their last three matches in the competition before the recent mid-season break.

The Limpopo are reigning Nedbank Cup champions having gone all the way and clinched the trophy last season as they edged out Chippa United 1-0 in a tightly contested final.

Vhadau Vha Damani are looking to become the first team to successfully defend the title since SuperSport United retained it in 2017.

Tshakhuma head coach Lucky Nelukau will be banking on Tshepo Matete, Rhulani Manzini and Diamond Thopola, who boast of top-flight experience.

"It is the same TTM from last season, the trophy is written Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila meaning TTM are the defending champions. There is no other TTM," Nelukau said.

"It is always difficult to play this side. Lehlononolo Seema is a good coach. I am ready to face him. I am also a good coach.

"I have five or four good players who have tasted PSL football, Skhwama [Tshepo Matete], [Rendani] Ndou, [Rhulani] Manzini and [Diamond] Thopola coached by a good coach."

Meanwhile, Arrows are coming into this encounter undefeated in their last eight matches in the DStv Premiership and they will be keen to carry their league form into the cup competition.

Abafana Bes'thende are hoping to reach the Last 16 for the first time since 2019 having lost to VUT Students and AmaZulu FC in the Last 32 in the last two years.

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit were eliminated by fellow top-flight side AmaZulu in last year's tournament as they lost 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Arrows head coach Lehlohonolo Seema described Tshakhuma as a dangerous side especially when they are playing at home in Venda, Limpopo.

"The coach [Nelukau] is right by saying that we are coming against the champions because it is the last name on the trophy," Seema said.

"As Arrows, we are quite aware that it won't be an easy game as everyone has said it is a tournament where there are a lot of surprises especially when you are playing a team away from home.

"They are even dangerous. We have a long trip to Venda and we are looking forward to the game. We will give it our best. We want to advance to the next round."

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila:PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brian Dolamo:The 29-year-old midfielder is a key member of Tshakhuma's midfield and he scored in the team's 2-1 win over Cape Town Spurs in the Nedbank Cup preliminary round in December last year. Dolamo's performance could be key to a win over Arrows.

Rhulani Manzini:The bulky centre forward was also on the score sheet as Tshakhuma defeated Spurs having also netted twice in the GladAfrica Championship this term and he will be looking to find the back of the net again in the South African FA Cup.

Golden Arrows:PLAYERS TO WATCH

Pule Mmodi:The speedy winger was one of the standout performers in the recent DStv Compact Cup as he produced a Man of the Match performance in Amabutho's encounter with Warriors. Mmodi will be eager to continue his good form in the Arrows colours.

Michael Gumede:The hard-working centre forward ended 2021 with a great performance against Swallows FC as he grabbed a brace against the Soweto giants and he will be determined to inspire Abafana Bes'thende to the Last 16 of the lucrative competition.

In Head-to-Head stats, Tshakhuma and Arrows have met twice with both matches being played in the DStv Premiership last season.

Arrows won both matches as they emerged 1-0 winners in Durban in January 2021, before recording a 2-1 win in Limpopo in March 2021.