Nedbank Cup semifinals take centre stage

03/05/2024 11:00

South Africa's Nedbank Cup will offer up two potential thrillers in the semifinals this weekend, where the main focus will fall on Stellenbosch FC's attempt to slay the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns.

Stellies, who won the Carling Knockout earlier this season and have racked up a 25-game unbeaten run across official competitions, will welcome Sundowns to the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

While the Cape side's undefeated streak is deeply impressive, they will still come into the game as underdogs against a Brazilians team which confirmed a seventh successive league title by crushing Kaizer Chiefs on Thursday night, and have put together a 36-game, year-plus run in which they have not suffered an outright defeat in domestic competitions (including two cup exits on penalties, which are technically recorded as draws).

In fact, the last South African team to claim an outright win over 'Downs was Stellenbosch, who recorded a 2-1 triumph in the quarterfinals of last year's Nedbank Cup.

"We've been very competitive in the cup competitions of late," said Stellies coach Steve Barker. "And obviously having won a cup earlier this season gives the players that extra motivation and desire.

"Once you get that initial success, there are either two responses: it can satisfy your desire to win a trophy or you want to win more. I think the joy and the recognition and all the accolades that come with the win was a special time for the club. All of that is driving us to get another trophy."

The semifinals get underway on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha when Chippa United look to upset reigning Nedbank Cup champions Orlando Pirates.

The teams head into the match in wildly different form: while the Chilli Boys have lost their last two outings in succession, the Buccaneers have racked up five straight wins across all competitions and scored 18 goals in the process.

"I'm a lucky coach because wherever I look I see quality players and most of them are always ready to play," said Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. "They are in good shape, so it's difficult for me to choose the right ones for each and every game.

"Right now we're involved in a series of five [wins] in a row, in a space of less than two weeks, so it's important to have everyone ready to contribute."

The two semifinal winners will meet in the final, which is set to be played on Saturday 1 June at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Nedbank Cup semifinal fixtures

Times CAT

Saturday 4 May

15:00: Chippa United v Orlando Pirates

Sunday 5 May

15:00: Stellenbosch FC v Mamelodi Sundowns