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Nedbank Cup: Quarterfinals Preview

 Quarterfinals Preview

Our football writer predicts which four will go through to this season’s Nedbank Cup semifinals.

The Nedbank Cup opens its heart to the nation and parades for the delectation of the whole sporting world with four thrill-packed encounters taking center stage this weekend.  Here’s how I think the action will unfold

Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports

Friday 13 March


Real Kings 5/1 
Draw 5/2
Bidvest Wits 11/20
The Shauwn Mpisane-owned Real Kings have endured contrasting fortunes in the league and Nedbank Cup as they only won their first three points last week after downing Jomo Cosmos 1-0, while they have been impressive in the knockout competition, having eliminated the likes of Steenberg, Passion FC and Mbombela which can be attributed to having favorable fixtures.

They face a hungry Bidvest Wits who have kissed their league title hopes goodbye after a string of poor results. The Clever Boys will put all their eggs in the Nedbank Cup and I expect them to go all out in this fixture. Gavin Hunt’s men will be too strong for the minnows and my money is on them. 


Saturday 14 March


Baroka 14/10 
Draw 2/1
Black Leopards 37/20
This is a repeat of the Limpopo derby which took place last week in the league with Baroka emerging 2-0 victors. Evidence Makgopa bagged a brace in that encounter and coach Dylan Kerr will be hoping for more of the same from his marksman. Winning back-to-back games against his former employees would be music to Kerr’s ears.

Losing to crosstown rivals has compounded Black Leopards’ miserable recent weeks as they now find themselves rooted to the foot of the table and three points off safety. Lidoda Duvha would welcome an exit here and I foresee them fielding their second-string team. Back the hosts to win their second derby in two weeks.


Highlands Park 5/2 
Draw 22/10
Mamelodi Sundowns 1/1
This is a clash of two sides who have richly contributed to this season’s compelling narrative with Highlands Park reaching the MTN8 final, where they came unstuck against SuperSport United. Speaking of SuperSport, they beat the Lions of the North again this past weekend in a league encounter.

On the other hand, Sundowns have already won the Telkom Knockout and they were knocked out of the Champions League against Al Ahly, which prompts them to fully focus on domestic competitions. The Brazilians have a midweek game against Stellenbosch on Wednesday evening, and it might have repercussions on this clash but that remains to be seen. I foresee Pitso Mosimane’s men winning this one.


Sunday 15 March


TS Sporting 5/1
Draw 22/10
Bloemfontein Celtic 6/10
TS Sporting are flirting with relegation from the GladAfrica Championship as they are three points above the drop zone. This is the first time they come up against a PSL side in the Nedbank Cup, having eliminated lower tier sides like Happy Wanderers, Ajax Cape Town and Free State Stars and I think they will really struggle.

Bloemfontein Celtic have been the most inconsistent team in the PSL with seven draws, seven wins and nine defeats. They are just one position below the top eight and they are almost guaranteed safety from relegation. Phunya Sele Sele should win this one. 


QUAD @ 11/1
Wits Win 11/20
Baroka Win 14/10
Sundowns Win 1/1
Celtic Win 6/10 


Written by Benedict Ngwenya for Hollywoodbets 

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