History will be made this Saturday in the Free State as Tshakhuma take on Chippa United in the Nedbank Cup final. Both clubs will participate in their first-ever Cup final in the top flight, and after overcoming the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United and Cape Town City, either one of Tshakhuma or Chippa will be deserving of their Nedbank Cup crown. All roads lead to the Free State Stadium this weekend, so without further ado, let’s get straight down to business!
Nedbank Cup final
Saturday 8 May
Free State Stadium
18:00
To Win (90 Mins)
Tshakhuma 17/10
Draw 19/10
Chippa United 17/10
Tshakhuma
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Tshakhuma in their first season being in the top flight of the DStv Premiership. TTM have had plenty of ups and downs, making multiple headlines for the wrong reasons, particularly on how the club has been run this term.
Their off-field issues have resulted in them fighting relegation where they are currently 15th, at the time of writing, before their encounter against Kaizer Chiefs in midweek.
Despite their struggles in the league campaign, Tshakhuma have overcome a much more difficult road to the final, beating SuperSport United, Swallows, Black Leopards and Mamelodi Sundowns en route to the final.
Washington Arubi has been the shining light in goal for the Limpopo-based side, and if the 35-year-old shot-stopper can continue his impressive form, Tshakhuma will certainly get their hands on their first-ever piece of silverware.
Chippa United
At the time of writing, Chippa United are placed one position higher than Tshakhuma in the DStv Premiership, and will be hoping to stay on top when they square off against the new boys from Limpopo.
The Chilli Boys have picked up a bit of form in recent weeks, keeping three successive clean sheets in the build-up leading to the biggest game of their season. Chippa have held Golden Arrows to a goalless draw, before beating Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch by 1-0 scorelines.
On paper, Chippa will be favourites, simply because of their form and having all the experience when it comes to top flight football. Although they’re considered as the big guns in the final, Chippa are still in unfamiliar territory, being in their first-ever Cup final.
En route to the final, Chippa United have beaten Free State Stars and Cape Town City via penalties and extra-time respectively, while the Chilli Boys also managed to knock out Richards Bay and Pretoria Callies in the latter stages.
Probable line-ups:
Tshakhuma: 4-2-3-1
Arubi; Thopola, Ndengane, Nonyane, Theron; Lukhubeni, Manaka; Ngema, Ndlondlo, Mnyamane; Rantie
Chippa United: 4-4-1-1
Watenga; Mobbie, Mthethwa, Nsabiyumva, Hanamub; Lebitso, Sibeko, Mdlinzo, Mokhele; Lentjies; Chidi Kwem
Prediction: Tshakhuma (17/10)
They may come into this tie as the minnows, but my money will definitely be on Tshakhuma to win the Nedbank Cup this Saturday. The Limpopo-based side have been the far-more superior team in the competition thus far, and at 17/10, they should get over the finish line with fairly comfortably.
Written by Jesse Nagel