The Ke-Yona experience is alive and well as we head into the last eight in the Nedbank Cup. And what an occasion Mzansi has on its hands as fans will be allowed back to witness the beautiful game live and in person.
Summerfield Dynamos versus Mamelodi Sundowns is the epitome of what this tournament is about, while the Limpopo rivalry between Gallants and Baroka continues, only for Royal AM to strive for topflight silverware, as the defending champions take on SuperSport United.
Upsets are always on the cards in the Nedbank Cup, so may the odds be forever in your favour.
Friday 8 April
Tshakhuma FC 37/10
Draw 18/10
SuperSport Utd. 17/20
(19:00)
It’s never an easy task when facing a PSL side, even against SuperSport United. Tshakhuma confidently booked their spot in the quarterfinals defeating Sinekani 3-0. Either half was dominant and a goal in each by Rendani Ndou and Rhulani Manzini (an acrobatic overhead kick I might add) was enough to get across the line. The icing on the cake came in stoppage time when the pace from Naeem Amoojee blitzed the defensive line to slot home TTM’s third. The last time these two sides faced off in the Nedbank Cup, it was Tshakuma’s run to lifting the cup. Matsatsantsa will be weary of the opponent, but both sides recent run of form in all competitions bodes well in the away team’s favour. I am confident in backing the SuperSport to progress within 90-minutes.
Saturday 9 April
Sundowns 1/12
Draw 7/1
Summerfield Dynamos 20/1
(18:00)
After a comprehensive unbeaten run in the CAF Champions’ League group stages, Mamelodi Sundowns switch focus to ABC Motsepe League’s Summerfield Dynamos. The boys from Chloorkop will rotate the squad but knowing the mindset to win, win, and win again, with the focus on lifting every trophy is unquestionable. Clinton Larsen’s Chatsworth based side make the trip to Pretoria on an unprecedented season, currently awaiting play-offs into the NFD, but no side wants to face the best in the country right now, and definitely not Summerfield Dynamos. Get strongly behind Mamelodi Sundowns.
Marumo Gallants 1/1
Draw 22/10
Baroka 5/2
(15:00)
The Limpopo derby is by far the most tightly contested matchup of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals. Baroka has gotten the better of their rivals in recent times, bar an early second half red card that saw them lose 3-0 to Gallants just a few weeks ago. Both sides needed penalties to progress in the round of 16, but Gallants efforts versus Orlando Pirates must not go unnoticed. If one team does pip the other, I believe Gallants will do so, but I am backing a 90-minute draw.
Sunday 10 April
Royal AM 11/20
Draw 5/2
Univ. of Pretoria 5/1
(15:30)
A team out of the ashes, Royal AM has been a revelation throughout, and what better way to cap off the season than a trophy in the cabinet. One defeat in their last 10 fixtures in all competitions, Royal AM are a well-oiled machine under John Maduka, and the labelled Maduka-ball has Bafana Bafana national, Victor Letsaolo, charging for the DStv Premiership’s golden boot. Their opponents embody the Nedbank Cup, making the quarterfinals defeating Hungry Lions 2-1, Chippa 2-0, and drawing 3-3 with Venda progressing via the penalty spot. Royal AM will be the Universities toughest test so far. Tuks have proved their ability to find the net, and head coach Tlisane Motaung is confident they will in this encounter, but for me Royal AM are sure to qualify for the semis.
Quad at 8/1
SuperSport Utd. Win 17/20
Sundowns Win 1/12
Gallants/Baroka Draw 22/10
Royal AM win 11/20
Written by Joshua Gaillard