The Ke-Yona experience is alive and well as we head into the last eight in the Nedbank Cup. Summerfield Dynamos versus Mamelodi Sundowns is the epitome of what this tournament is about, while the Limpopo rivalry between Gallants and Baroka continues, only for Royal AM to strive for topflight silverware as the defending champions take on SuperSport United.
Our eyes will be fixated on the Nedbank Cup while our hearts will be with Bafana Bafana as they play their friendlies.
Saturday 26 February
1/12 Sundowns | Draw 7/1 | Summerfield Dynamos 20/1 | 15:30
After a comprehensive 10-man 4-2 win in the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns switch focus to ABC Motsepe League’s Summerfield Dynamos. The boys from Chloorkop will unquestionably rotate the squad but knowing the mindset to win, win, and win again, focus on lifting every trophy is unquestionable.
Clinton Larson’s Chatsworth based side make the trip to Pretoria on an unprecedented season, currently awaiting play-offs into the NFD, but no side wants to face the best in the country right now, and definitely not Summerfield Dynamos. Get strongly behind absolutely favourable odds on the home team.
1/1 Marumo Gallants | Draw 22/10 | Baroka 5/2 | 15:30
The Limpopo derby is by far the most tightly contested matchup of the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals. Baroka has gotten the better of their rivals in recent times bar an early second-half red card that saw them lose 3-0 to Gallants just a few weeks ago.
Both sides needed penalties to progress in the round of 16, but Gallants efforts versus Oralndo Pirates must not go unnoticed. If one team does pip the other, I believe Gallants will do so, but I am backing a 90-minute draw.
5/1 Tshakhuma TM | Draw 5/2 | SuperSport Utd. 11/20 | 15:30
It’s never an easy task when facing a PSL side, and even more so when facing SuperSport United. TTM confidently booked their spot in the quarter-finals, defeating Sinekani 3-0. Either half was dominant and a goal in each by Rendani Ndou and Rhulani Manzini (an acrobatic overhead kick I might add) respectively was enough to get across the line, but the icing on the cake came in stoppage time when the pace from Naeem Amoojee blitzed the defensive line to slot home the third.
The last time these two sides faced off in the Nedbank Cup, it was TTM’s run to lifting the cup. Matsatsantsa will be wary of the opponent, but either side’s recent run of form in all competitions bodes well in the away team’s favour. South Africa’s friendlies will take priority, and Ronwen Williams will be away with the national team which is one mighty blow. However, I am confident in backing the away team to progress within 90-minutes.
11/20 Royal AM | Draw 5/2 | Univ. of Pretoria 5/1 | 15:30
A team out of the ashes, Royal AM has been a revelation throughout, and what better way to cap off the season than a trophy in the cabinet. Their opponents embody the Nedbank Cup, making the quarter-finals by defeating Hungry Lions 2-1, Chippa 2-0 and drawing 3-3 with Venda, progressing via the penalty spot.
Royal AM will be the Universities toughest test so far, but they have proved their ability to find the net, and they should in this encounter, but Royal AM are sure to qualify for the semis.
QUAD @ 11/1
Sundowns Win 11/20
Marumo Gallants vs Baroka Draw 22/10
SuperSport Win 11/20
Royal AM Win 11/20
