Our football analyst previews the thrilling Nedbank Cup last 16 action kicking off on Friday 9 March 2018.
The Nedbank Cup is back with a bang this week, featuring some fixtures that look like clear picks. Among the excitement, two of the PSL’s heavyweights, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, face off against lower-division sides, making them favourites to advance. Adding to the drama is a tense all-PSL showdown between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City. Every team knows that glory could be just three wins away. Here are the expert predictions for the last 16 matches.
Friday 9 March
AmaZulu 4/10
Draw 28/10
Ubuntu Cape Town 7/1
AmaZulu have hit a bump with a three-match winless streak despite a brave effort against Sundowns last Friday. Their 3-1 loss came from lapses in focus and missed chances. Returning to the same venue, Usuthu will be battling hard in this Nedbank Cup fixture with relegation survival in their sights.
Ubuntu Cape Town’s morale is lifted after their Nedbank Cup win over Polokwane City, escaping the foot of the table and climbing to 12th with a three-match unbeaten stretch. Expect a tough contest likely ending in a draw.
Saturday 10 March
Baroka 1/5
Draw 9/2
Steenberg United 11/1
Baroka remain unbeaten under caretaker coach MacDonald Makhubedu with a run of three draws and a win. Drama off the field with suspensions and no-shows shakes things up, but MacDonald should lead the team once more.
Steenberg United chase the top spot in the Western Cape’s ABC Motsepe League, just four points behind Ace FC with a game in hand, fresh from a 3-1 win over Orbit College. Still, Baroka looks set for a narrow victory.
Free State Stars 17/20
Draw 22/10
Chippa United 3/1
Free State Stars are the surprise package this season, sitting third in the PSL and riding a six-match unbeaten run. The late heroics by Mohammed Anas recently secured vital points.
Chippa welcomes back Vladislav Heric as head coach, replacing Teboho Moloi. Expect a strong effort, but the Stars hold the edge.
Kaizer Chiefs 1/4
Draw 7/2
Stellenbosch 12/1
Kaizer Chiefs stage this match in Durban, hungry for redemption after a 3-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates. Injury concerns will hopefully ease with George Maluleka expected back on the pitch.
Stellenbosch pulled off a shock previously but have struggled recently. The prediction? Amakhosi to steer through.
Sunday 11 March
Bloemfontein Celtic 4/10
Draw 28/10
Richards Bay 7/1
Bloemfontein Celtic snapped a tough run by beating Ajax Cape Town 1-0 last week and aim to keep their strong cup record alive.
Richards Bay surprised many recently but Celtic are favoured to take this match.
Royal Eagles 33/10
Draw 22/10
Maritzburg United 8/10
Royal Eagles are on the rise under new coach Roger Sikhakhane, unbeaten in four matches. The derby promises fireworks.
Maritzburg United sit fourth in the PSL with striker Andrea Fileccia in fine scoring form. Look to back the visitors.
Tuesday 13 March
Mamelodi Sundowns 1/10
Draw 6/1
EC Bees 18/1
Sundowns look set for success, fresh from a great CAF Champions League showing and a league win over AmaZulu, highlighted by Vilakazi’s brace.
EC Bees have a solid ABC Motsepe League campaign but expect the Brazilians to win comfortably, with a -1 handicap recommendation.
Wednesday 14 March
Cape Town City 18/10
Draw 2/1
Orlando Pirates 14/10
Cape Town City rebound after recent league losses with strong cup form and the return of star Teko Modise producing match-winning performances.
Orlando Pirates are the in-form team with eight wins in ten matches this year, including a striking 3-1 victory over Chiefs. The prediction: Pirates to come out on top.
TREBLE @ 16/1
AmaZulu vs Ubuntu CT Draw 28/10
Free State Stars Win 17/20
Orlando Pirates Win 14/10
