Five titanic fixtures will overshadow the traditional David vs Goliath theme of the Nedbank Cup when it kicks off this weekend.
High-riding league champions Supersport take on a rejuvenated Oralndo Pirates in but one of the ties pitting 10 PSL sides against each other in the country’s premier knockout competition.
The lottery of the draw also placed Kaizer Chiefs against unpredictable State Stars while Moroka Swallows meet Bidvest Wits, Maritzburg United host Thanda Royal Zulu and Platinum Stars lock horns with Golden Arrows.
PSL clubs may feel comforted by the possibility of a dignified exit after the heroics of Mpumalanga Black Aces last season. The national first division side were the dynamite in a small package when they went all the way to the final.
Aces claimed, among others, the scalps of premiership sides Free State Stars and Thanda Royal Zulu on their fairytale run before they narrowly lost the final 1-0 to considerably wealthier Mamelodi Sundowns.
R6-million drawcard
There is a lot of prestige attached to the Nedabank Cup. Modelled on the English FA Cup, the 16 Premier League clubs, eight National First Division and eight from the amateur ranks compete for the whopping R6-million winner’s cheque on offer.
The handsome cash reward is not the only motivational factor of the South Africa FA Cup. It is also a gateway to rubbing shoulders with some of the best teams on the continent.
The Nedbank Cup champions represent the country in the CAF Confederations Cup Â- Africa’s equivalent of the Uefa Cup. In essence, it provides an opportunity for clubs to appease their fans should they fail to win the league.
Given this importance, intriguing battles can only be expected when the Goliaths of the tournament — Amakhosi, the Bucs as well Mantsantsa — take to the field this weekend.
Kaizer Chiefs legend, Scara Thintwa, naturally tipped Amakhosi to make light work of Ea Lla Koto.
”History places Chiefs at an advantage. The tradition instilled at the club from when I was a player at Chiefs was to treat each game like a cup final. I believe in the boys and know that they will rise to the occasion,” said Thintwa.
Element of truth
There is some element of truth to Thintwa’s optimism. The Soweto giants recovered from last week’s humiliating 3-0 loss to complete a league double over Golden Arrows on Wednesday. With Nigerian striker Ibezito Ogbonna back from injury, Amakhosi go into the match with a renewed confidence against a Sithembiso Ngcobo-inspired Stars.
However, the spotlight will rest on the Pirates and Supersport clash at Coca Cola Park on Saturday. The performances of the two teams of late have set the stage for a potential thriller. Gavin Hunt and his charges outclassed Chiefs 3-0 before they accounted for Bloemfontein Celtics 1-0 midweek. ”It is obviously a big game and we want to approach the game with the best possible side,” Hunt told the Mail & Guardian.
However, it remains to be seen whether log leaders Mantsantsa will indeed field a strong team. Hunt opted to concentrate on the league last year and he is again in the same dilemma this season: to choose between reserving his best for the league or try to go for the double.
Rudi Krol in only his maiden season is unlikely to suffer from the same indecision. The Dutchman is keen to win a major trophy for the Sea Robbers and there seems no better place to start than in front of the home fans at a venue they affectionately call the ”Park of Pain”.