This highly anticipated Nedbank Cup quarter-final tie features South Africa’s ‘big three’ outfits, all fighting for a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the cup competition.
Each team has its own unique path to glory, and these upcoming encounters promises to deliver plenty of drama and intensity. With so much at stake, SBN highlights three key attackers who could play a crucial role in the outcome of Saturday’s matches!
Ribeiro Costa
Lucas Ribeiro Costa has been pivotal in Sundowns’ success this season, topping the league’s scoring charts, and he is expected to cause trouble for Arrows once again in Hammarsdale.
The Brazilian was crowned Player of the Month for the second time this season, thanks to his outstanding contribution to Sundowns’ winning streak in February. The twenty-six-year-old played a key role in eight goals, scoring five and providing three assists.
Additionally, Ribeiro’s solo effort in Sundowns’ victory over Orlando Pirates in Tshwane was voted Goal of the Month, earning him back-to-back awards in the category after winning it in January.
Ashley Du Preez
The return of former Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Du Preez will be a significant boost to Nasreddine Nabi’s attacking options, especially following the injury to Tashreeq Morris, who joins Wandile Duba in the recovery room. Du Preez’s return to full fitness comes at a crucial time, offering much-needed depth to Kaizer Chiefs’ forward line.
Fresh off a contract extension, Du Preez will remain with Chiefs until 2027, a move that demonstrates the club’s confidence in the dynamic forward. Despite interest from overseas clubs, the 27-year-old’s contract was extended for an additional two years, highlighting the club’s commitment to retaining key players as they work towards returning to their former glory under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Du Preez made his comeback in Chiefs’ 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, coming on as a first-half substitute but was later substituted himself. However, he quickly made an impact in his next appearance, coming off the bench to score the match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Magesi FC. His crucial goal secured three valuable points for Chiefs, underscoring his importance to the team and reaffirming why the club worked swiftly to extend his contract.
Tshegofatso Mabasa
Tshegofatso Mabasa stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick against Baroka FC during the Nedbank Cup Round of 32, marking his second of the season and bringing his career tally for Orlando Pirates to 44 goals (at that time).
With his incredible turn in form during recent years, Mabasa has now surpassed Phumlani Mkhize and the late Lesley Manyathela, both of whom were tied at 41 goals. He now sits second on Pirates’ all-time scoring list, just behind Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi, who holds the record with 58 goals.
Mabasa has set his sights on becoming the club’s all-time top scorer, and his performance against Baroka FC has boosted his season total to 13 goals and one assist from 30 appearances across all competitions. This hat-trick follows his earlier one in an 8-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership.