Our football pundit previews the 2018 Nedbank Cup last 32 fixtures which take place between Friday 9 February and Wednesday 14 February 2018.
It’s that thrilling time again when underdog teams from the lower leagues step onto the big stage to challenge PSL powerhouses. Memories of Mamelodi Sundowns’ astounding 24-0 demolition of Powerlines FC and AmaZulu’s 14-0 victory over Young Ones are still fresh. Yet, the real magic of the Nedbank Cup lies in the surprises – like Orlando Pirates’ unexpected 4-1 loss to Maluti FET College and Kaizer Chiefs stumbling against lesser-known sides. Amakhosi have faced shocks at the hands of Baroka, Bakgaga from the third tier, FC Cape Town, and University of Pretoria in past years. True to its giant-killing reputation, anything can happen in this competition!
Friday 9 February
Cape Town All Stars 52/10
Draw 2/1
Mamelodi Sundowns 7/10
There are whispers that Moroka Swallows might take over Cape Town All Stars after this season, which could unsettle the players amid uncertainties. Igugu Lekapa stayed unbeaten in 2018 with a goalless draw against Richards Bay FC and currently sit 10th on the log. Sundowns, the PSL leaders, clung on to a tough 1-0 win over Cape Town City. Even without Coach Pitso Mosimane – who was sent off previously – the Brazilians face only one real threat heading into this game: complacency. Back the visitors to clinch the win.
Saturday 10 February
Swallows FC 11/2
Draw 5/2
Maritzburg United 11/20
Swallows FC, under Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi’s leadership, aim to regain NFD status and possibly return to the PSL soon. Rumoured talks about transferring NFD status with Cape Town All Stars add intrigue. They rallied from a goal behind to a 1-1 draw against JDR Stars.
Maritzburg United recently lost 2-1 to Orlando Pirates without Evans Rusike, who moved to SuperSport United. They hit the woodwork thrice and showed great play. Expect Maritzburg to take the win here.
Steenberg United 9/10
Draw 43/20
Orbit College 32/10
Steenberg United sit second in the ABC Motsepe League Western Cape log, just three points behind the leaders, with games in hand. Orbit College, 29 points behind in fifth, focus on the match despite no realistic qualification hopes. Last week, they lost 3-1 to Platinum Stars Development. It’s a tight call but Steenberg United might have the edge.
Young Stars 57/10
Draw 7/2
Chippa United 11/20
Phiva Young Stars are a force in the ABC Motsepe League Mpumalanga Stream, topping it by 9 points. In contrast, Chippa United, tied with Golden Arrows for the most draws in the PSL, have come off four consecutive draws including a thrilling 3-3 last week against Platinum Stars. Watch out for an upset – backing Young Stars might pay off!
Orlando Pirates 17/20
Draw 2/1
Ajax Cape Town 39/10
This rare all-PSL clash sees Pirates thirsty for revenge after a 3-0 defeat to Ajax two weeks prior. Coach Milutin Sredojevic’s squad bounced back with a 2-1 win over Maritzburg United. New signing Xola Mlambo is expected to start alongside Musa Nyatama.
Ajax, second last and unbeaten in their last three matches, also boast a dangerous strike trio of Fagrie Lakay, Tendai Ndoro, and Yannick Zakri. However, Pirates are favourites to reclaim pride.
Super Eagles 34/10
Draw 26/10
Free State Stars 17/20
Super Eagles are struggling, winless in three matches and hovering just above relegation spots. Free State Stars, unusually third in the PSL, have been solid recently with three wins from five outings and a 2-0 victory over Baroka last week. Ea Lla Koto is favoured to win comfortably here.
Sunday 11 February
Mariveni United 17/20
Draw 2/1
EC Bees 36/10
Mariveni United, from Limpopo’s SAB League (fourth tier), impressed even in a 2-0 loss to Sundowns last year, with defender Motjeka Madisha earning Man-of-the-Match. Eastern Cape Bees, who were embarrassed 3-0 by Pirates last year, are favourites to advance.
However, Mariveni’s home advantage could tip the scales in their favour.
Kaizer Chiefs 11/10
Draw 37/20
Golden Arrows 3/1
Amakhosi are unbeaten this year with two wins and three draws. Ryan Moon’s brilliant header last week sealed a draw with Wits. Arrows have drawn many matches this season and lost recently to AmaZulu. Chiefs are tipped to win this tight encounter.
Bloemfontein Celtic 17/10
Draw 2/1
SuperSport United 33/20
Following a 4-2 league loss last week while playing well, Celtic will face a weakened Supersport side resting nine regular players as survival is their priority. Evans Rusike scored for Supersport who are hopeful to find a Brockie replacement. Celtic’s victory is likely here.
Happy Wanderers 7/2
Draw 24/10
Royal Eagles 7/10
The KZN derby pits a strong Happy Wanderers, unbeaten in five with three wins, against Royal Eagles, struggling and near relegation following a 4-0 thrashing by Highlands Park. Expect Wanderers to claim the win.
Wednesday 14 February
Richards Bay 7/10
Draw 7/10
Bloemfontein Young Tigers 7/2
Richards Bay’s remarkable climb to 12th place, with 21 points from 20 games, was highlighted by a goalless draw against Cape Town All Stars. Young Tigers, third in the Free State ABC Motsepe League, have been solid with just one defeat in their last three games. Home advantage makes Richards Bay favourites here.
Platinum Stars 2/1
Draw 2/1
Baroka 13/10
Platinum Stars remain rooted at the bottom of the PSL, winless in five matches but showed promise in a 3-3 draw with Ajax Cape Town after the club’s partial sale to Roger De Sa and partners. Baroka, with only one win in five, look better positioned to take bragging rights in this memorable trophy race. Expect the visitors to edge it.
Stellenbosch 21/10
Draw 21/10
Highlands Park 12/10
Despite a red card to loaned striker Devon Saal last week, Stellenbosch eked out a 1-0 win over Uthongathi and remain unbeaten in three matches. Highlands Park dominate the NFD, clear leaders by 11 points, and are odds-on for PSL promotion. The Lions of the North should be too strong.
TREBLE @ 7/1
Mamelodi Sundowns Win 7/10
Kaizer Chiefs Win 11/10
Highlands Park Win 12/10
