The road to the Nedbank Cup final will resume this weekend, beginning with a keenly anticipated semifinal clash between Durban City and Casric Stars at the Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3:00pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
Motsepe Foundation Championship side Casric Stars has been one of the revelations in the Nedbank Cup this season and earned giant killer status en-route to major results leading up to the semifinals.
Following a 5-4 win on penalties against Orlando Pirates in the Round of 16, Casric then recorded a 2-1 win against AmaZulu in the quarterfinals at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 7 March, as Decide Chauke’s scored during extra-time to send his side through to the next round.
Durban City clawed their way into the Nedbank Cup semis via a 5-4 win on penalties against Golden Arrows at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on 8 March.
The KwaZulu-Natal side thus recorded their third-straight penalty victory in the tournament, as they showcased their resilience.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking on Casric Stars’ progression in the Nedbank Cup, coach Bucs Mthombeni urged his side to remain grounded in the tournament and take it game by game while they push for promotion to the PSL.
“What I am emphasising to the boys is that they must not celebrate and forget that football is a long journey. We must go back, stay focused and take it one game at a time,” Mthombeni said.
“I am fortunate to have good management supporting me, and they will also speak to the players and remind them that this result is now in the past. History will always be there, but each person still has a journey ahead of them.
“We need to sit down with the boys and say: this is done, now let us focus on the next game, because the league is bigger than the trophy at this stage”.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Durban City - Darren Keet: Now 36, Keet has been immense between the sticks for Durban City throughout the showpiece. Keet produced numerous saves against Arrows, including a crucial stop during the penalty shootout that aided their victory in Umlazi.
Casric Stars - Decide Chauke: After scoring the winner against AmaZulu last time out, Chauke will once again look to make his mark against top flight opposition once more. The 29-year-old also brings a wealth of experience to the club’s frontline during a crucial part of the season.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Durban City and Casric Stars.