Bloemfontein’s budding Roses United were the major surprise entrants in the Nedbank Cup last 16 draw on Monday morning in Sandton.
The third-tier outfit beat first division side Bay United 2-0 in an impressive showing in Botshabelo on Sunday.
“I’m very proud of the boys. We came [into the tournament] as underdogs,” said John Tlale, the Roses coach and former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper.
“I told the guys we had nothing to lose from this match. They [Bay United] were the ones under pressure.”
The top league sides bucked the tradition in the opening round of the cross-league cup, previously characterised by minnows outsmarting their more experienced opponents.
Mamelodi Sundowns set the new trend with a crushing 24-0 win over Powerlines FC, with midfielder Hlompho Kekana netting seven goals against a hapless Kimberley-based defence.
Dying moments
Fellow premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs also eased their way through with a 3-0 win over Cape Town All Stars.
The first round was not without any scares as defending champions Orlando Pirates needed a strike in the dying moments to secure a 1-0 win over Ethekwini Coastal, who are also in the regional third-tier league.
“They [Coastal] came with very good tactical organisation and have some good players,” said suspended Pirates coach Julio Leal.
An embarrassing loss would most likely have seen the Brazilian vacate the Buccaneers hot seat, despite two Cup titles already in the bag this season.
SuperSport United needed the penalty shootout lottery to brush past Batau FC, while struggling Jomo Cosmos won by a narrow 2-1 margin against a determined African Warriors outfit.
There was a notable moment in the first round when veteran striker David Radebe wound back the clock, reminding fans of his poaching prowess.
Sterling display
The 32-year-old netted a hat trick for United FC as they trounced Vardos 3-1 in Tembisa.
The former Free State Stars and Kaizer Chiefs striker tops the scoring charts in the first division and he said he was enjoying the time of his life after most had written off his once highly rated ability.
“I can give credit to my teammates with our performance. They played well,” Radebe said after his sterling display on Saturday.
“I’m just enjoying the game and want the team to continue progressing.
“I am not concerned about who we play in the next round.”
‘Life goes on’
The major first round meeting was on Friday, between two former winners, as Bidvest Wits downed Moroka Swallows with a 1-0 victory in Dobsonville.
“Life goes on,” said Swallows coach Gordon Igesund.
“We didn’t get going and were not compact enough.”
The match between AmaZulu and Ajax Cape Town in Durban was abandoned because of inclement weather on Sunday.
They will meet for the replay on Tuesday evening in the fight for the final berth in the second round of the competition. — Sapa