The Nedbank Cup has a rich history of growing reputations and unearthing gems for South African football. This year should be no different as we pick 10 players to watch, for various reasons, in the Last 32 that gets under way on Tuesday.
OSWIN APPOLLIS (PRETORIA CALLIES) )
The 21-year-old playmaker has come of age this season at second-tier Pretoria Callies, who will face topflight Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Last 32. A product of the SuperSport United academy, Appollis made his PSL debut almost four years ago but failed to kick-on. He has been a revelation this campaign though and has four goals to his name to go with numerous assists. The junior international has a big future in the game.
MARIO BOOYSEN (CLAREWOOD FC) )
At the opposite end of the scale is veteran Booysen, who is winding down his illustrious playing career. The 34-year-old centre-back featured for the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United, totaling almost 300 appearances. He is now at ambitious third-tier Cape Town club Clarewood and bringing his experience of the big-time to the team. They will take on Limpopo ABC Motsepe League side Mpheni Home Defenders in the Last 32.
ASHLEY CUPIDO (CAPE TOWN SPURS) )
The striker is leading the way in the scoring stakes in the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season with nine goals in 14 starts. The 21-year-old already has a goal under his belt in the Nedbank Cup too, scoring against Baroka FC in a 1-1 draw in 2021, a tie that Spurs claimed after a penalty shootout. They meet the same opposition again in this year’s Last 32. He is developing well under coach Shaun Bartlett, one of the country’s greatest ever strikers. Cupido will feel the move up to the DStv Premiership is not far away.
DARWIN GONZÁLEZ (CAPE TOWN CITY) )
The Venezuelan winger has generally been superb this season is what is his first full campaign with Cape Town City after arriving in January last year. The 28-year-old took a bit of time to settle, but is flying now with his trickery on the ball and eye for goal. He is City’s top-scorer this season with five goals and brings some South American flair to the local game. City host Royal AM in the Last 32.
ETIOSA IGHODARO (CHIPPA UNITED) )
Nigerian forward Ighodaro has been in superb form this season with three goals in his last four games and seven overall for Chippa United. It is the striker’s first season of topflight football in South Africa having played in the second-tier with University of Pretoria in 2021/22. He has power and an excellent eye for goal, and will be important for Chippa United as they take on Polokwane City in the Last 32.
CASSIUS MAILULA (MAMELODI SUNDOWNS) )
One of the new young sensations in South African football, Mailula has burst onto the scene this season, forcing his way into a star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns side. The 21-year-old has seven goals in eight starts for The Brazilians in the league and has proven a consummate finisher with 10 goals in nine starts overall. The Nedbank Cup gives him another chance to shine. Sundowns host Richards Bay in the Last 32, who Mailula scored an excellent goal against in their league meeting earlier this month.
KGOMOTSO MOSADI (CASRIC STARS) )
Mosadi rose to prominence last season with Pretoria Callies but made the move to promoted Casric Stars ahead of this campaign. He has been sensational for them, netting nine goals in 13 league starts and grabbing a hattrick in the preliminary round of the Nedbank Cup against Uthongathi. No-one has scored more goals in the top two tiers of South African football this season. The attacking midfielder has seen his stocks rise immeasurably and a strong run in the Nedbank Cup will only add to that. Stars take on third-tier Mkhambathi in the Last 32.
DAN NDLHOVU (BAROKA FC) )
Ndhlovu is a tricky winger who has been a star for Baroka FC this campaign, form that earned him a national team call-up. He netted for the club in their thumping 4-1 preliminary round victory over Platinum City Rovers and will be a key weapon when they face Cape Town Spurs in the Last 32. This is the second season in professional football for the 20-year-old.
CHRISTIAN SAILE (KAIZER CHIEFS) )
A new name for Kaizer Chiefs fans, the DR Congo winger only made his debut for the AmaKhosi late last month following a move from Nchanga Rangers in Zambia. But it was an exciting cameo as he laid on the second goal for Ashley du Preez in the 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United. First impressions are he could be an excellent signing for the side. Chiefs desperately needed to add some attacking talent to their frontline. They play Maritzburg United in the Last 32.
MONNAPULE SALENG (ORLANDO PIRATES)
Saleng has been a sensation at Pirates this season and arguably their best attacking player with seven goals scored in all competitions. That includes two in his last four games. He has trickery on the flank, an eye for goal and great vision to bring others into the play. He made his Nedbank Cup debut for minnows Orbit College against Steenberg United in 2018. Pirates play second-tier All Stars in the Last 32.