The largest knockout competition in South Africa has progressed to the semi-finals following intriguing quarter-final matchups.
Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch, Orlando Pirates, and Chippa United secured spots in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals by triumphing in their quarter-final matches.
On Friday, the Brazilians clinched a 4-3 penalty shootout win over National First Division side University of Pretoria after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
Then, on Saturday, Stellenbosch defeated SuperSport United 4-0 at Danie Craven Stadium, while Pirates secured a 4-2 victory over AmaZulu away at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
WINNERS
1. Steve Barker
Stellenbosch’s coach is currently experiencing remarkable success, as evidenced by his team’s dominance over Matsatsantsa.
Barker has overseen Stellenbosch’s impressive unbeaten streak of 21 competitive matches across various competitions.
Their last defeat occurred in September 2023 when they were defeated 3-1 by Mamelodi Sundowns in a Premier Soccer League encounter.
2. Kabelo Dlamini
The Pirates standout is undergoing a transformation after facing limited playing time earlier this season.
He has secured a starting position in recent matches and has found the net in Bucs’ last two games.
Dlamini’s resurgence comes at a pivotal moment in the Buccaneers’ campaign.
Also Check: Confirmed: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns to face different opponents in Nedbank Cup semi-final.
3. Chippa Mpengesi
The owner of Chippa United, known for his frequent changes in coaching staff, seems to have found success with the current experiment of co-coaches, at least for the moment.
Thabo September and Kwanele Kopo are at the helm of the Chilli Boys bench, and the team is currently enjoying a three-match winning streak.
Their recent victory over TS Galaxy follows a win against Kaizer Chiefs in the PSL, propelling them to 10th place on the table after previously teetering near the relegation zone.
LOSSERS
1. Gavin Hunt
Hunt suffered a humiliating loss at the hands of Barker, admitting it was his most significant defeat in his 30-year coaching career.
For a coach of his stature to oversee such a substantial defeat may indicate a crisis at SuperSport.
The Tshwane team has only managed one victory in their last nine matches across all competitions.
2. Mamelodi Sundowns
The Brazilians have faltered recently, securing narrow victories after lackluster performances.
Typically dominant against lower division opponents, they struggled and appeared average against Pretoria University, narrowly advancing to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals via a penalty shootout.
Furthermore, a team known for its collective effort now seems overly reliant on goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who recently saved them in the Caf Champions League penalty shootout victory over Young Africans and repeated the heroics last Friday.
With Peter Shalulile misfiring and Themba Zwane struggling, Masandawana’s identity seems to be fading.
3. AmaZulu
Usuthu felt aggrieved by referee Masixole Bambiso’s decisions in their loss to Pirates.
After AmaZulu took the lead on Saturday, the Buccaneers were controversially awarded a penalty that revitalized them and spurred a comeback.
This event left Usuthu coach Pablo Franco Martin furious, describing it as “a significant scandal and disgrace for the country.”
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Also Check: Nedbank Cup: Chippa United charge into the semi-finals after defeating TS Galaxy.
