South African football heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates were thrilled to find out that they will not be clashing at the early stages of the competition while giant killers Milford United will have the odds stacked against them when they take on Stellenbosch FC. Notably, Orlando Pirates, Sekhukhune United (who recently got knocked out by Amazulu) and Stellenbosch are amongst the three of the four of last season’s semi-finalists who progressed from the last 32 with Kaizer Chiefs crashing out in the opening round.
Friday March 15
14/1 Milford | Draw 7/1 | Stellenbosch 1/10 19:00
Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC shocked the South African football communities when they knocked out Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs to qualify for the last 16. They have a mountain of a task ahead of them of beating the reigning Carling Knockout Cup champions.
High-flying Stellies recently collected four points in back-to-back Cape derbies by defeating Cape Town City and Cape Town Spurs respectively. They will be looking to add another cup to their cabinet. This will be their second time in this year’s tournament facing a second-tier team. They edged out Pretoria Callies 5-4 on penalties in the last 32. Stellenbosch to win.
Saturday March 16
2/9 Chippa United | Draw 9/2 | FC Ravens 10/1 15:00
The Chili Boys recently had their four-match unbeaten run halted by Mamelodi Sundowns. They came out short 2-0 and will be out for redemption in the last 32-match. They are unquestionably the stronger side in this match.
FC Ravens will have to pull out all the stops to be able to overcome Chippa United. They are coming to this match as the underdogs and we cannot count them out as this cup is known for having surprises where giants are slayed by underdogs. It will be interesting to see if they can provide us with another shocker. Chippa United will be too strong for FC Ravens.
15/4 Richards Bay | Draw 23/10 | SuperSport United 7/10 15:00
Richards Bay will be looking to pull a double over the Pretoria-based side having outplayed them 3-1 when they met in the DStv Premiership match. They showed character when they held TS Galaxy to a goalless draw and will be aiming to build from this to move into the quarterfinals.
Amantsantsantsa on the other side, have suffered a dip in form, they have struggled to get a win in their past four matches in all competitions. Their last win was against Cape Town City in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup, winning 3-1 on penalties. SuperSport to edge Richards Bay.
1/10 Orlando Pirates | Draw 7/1 | Hungry Lions 14/1 18:00
The Buccaneers recently attained bragging rights when they defeated their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3-2. They experienced no problems when they eased past Crystal Lake 6-0 and are expected to come out strong to defend their trophy. This is expected to be a one-sided affair given the form that Pirates have been on.
The odds will be stacked against the away team and we see no value in putting your money on them. It is yet to be seen if they can shock the world and slay the giants. My money is on Orlando Pirates.
Sunday March 17
12/1 D’General | Draw 5/2 | TS Galaxy 1/6 15:00
This is a David vs Goliath clash where the home side will be aiming to pull an upset on Galaxy. The Rockets are currently wounded having suffered a 2-0 loss against Cape Town Spurs and then failed to impress when they were held by Richards Bay FC to a goalless draw. This is a must-win match for them to stand a chance of winning their second Nedbank Cup trophy. They recently missed out on lifting the Carling Knockout Cup after they were defeated by Stellenbosch FC in the final. Comfortable win for TS Galaxy.
1/16 Sundowns | Draw 8/2 | Maritzburg United 20/1 18:00
Amasandawana swept aside NB La Masia 6-1 to move on to the last 16. They will be aiming to continue with their winning run when they face the second tier Maritzburg United.
The Team of Choice on the other hand eased past Paarl United 3-0 to be counted amongst the last 16 teams. They have a mountain to climb as Sundowns has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the country and the continent at large. Back Sundowns to win.
Written by @siphesihlesoni.