MONDAY, 10.10AM:
THE “Big Three” clubs – Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns – are through to the semi-finals of the Rothmans Cup after their impressive wins over the weekend. They are joined by the Premier Soccer League defending champions Manning Rangers.
While Chiefs and Sundowns registered 2-1 victories on aggregate over Wits University and AmaZulu repectively, Pirates and Rangers hammered Santos and Vaal Professionals 6-0 and 10-5 repectively.
At Johannesburg Stadium Chiefs and Wits played to a 1-1 all draw on Saturday night in front of more than 35 000 spectators, following goals by Chiefs Thabang Lebese in the 14th minute and Wits Gary McNab in the 82nd minute.
Sundowns and AmaZulu also played to a 1-1 all draw after Sundowns won their first leg encounter 1-0 in Durban three weeks ago. Joel “Fire” Masilela opened the score for the “Brazilians” in the 71st minute after Isaac Shai broke down the left flank and crossed the ball to an unmarked Masilela. Seven minutes before fulltime AmaZulu equalised through a penalty by “Naughty” Mokoena after Eric Ramasike brought down Shuan Donnelly in the penalty box.
Goals by midfielder John Moeti and striker Bruce Ramokhadi gave Pirates a semi-final spot following their 2-0 over Santos at Athlone Stadium on Sunday. The “Buccaneers” won the first leg 4-0 in Johannesburg three weeks ago and now are through by 6-0 aggregate. Santos tried every possibly way to reverse the score but good defending by Pirates defence denied them goals.
Rangers beat Pros’ 6-0 at KwaMasiza on Saturday to advance to the semi-finals – of this richest Cup in Africa – on a 10-5 aggregate after losing the first leg 5-4 in Durban. Striker Kerryn Jordaan scored a hattrick and defender Innocent Chikoya, who emerged as a penalty kick specialist, converted two penalties and Bafana Bafana striker Simon Makhubela sealed victory for the “Mighty Maulers”.
Rangers coach Gordon Igesund said: ” I am determined that we’ll win two trophies this season.”
The draw for the semi finals will be made on Monday.