With both managers having gone through coarse spells in their careers in SA football, bringing home the Nedbank Cup might just acquit their reputations. Pro Philani previews the sold-out encounter.
It’s the 15th Nedbank Cup final on Saturday evening at the Loftus stadium in Pretoria as EzikaMagebhula tackles Babina Noko for the right to be crowned 2022/23 Nedbank Cup champions.
The crown is currently in the hands of Masandawana, who won it in the last minute of extra time against Marumo Gallants in Rustenburg, but the South African football fraternity will witness either the 2 times champions Orlando Pirates or the new boys of Sekhukhune United.
Pirates last tasted glory in the 2013/14 season when a Kermit Erasmus brace contributed to the demise of Bidvest Wits at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Erasmus is part of the 2022/23 season squad that looks to restore the pride of the Buccaneers.
He also won the same trophy with Mamelodi Sundowns last season. In the Pirates side, there is also Miguel Timm and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who will also be appearing for the third successive Nedbank Cup final with a third different team.
Nedbank Cup 2014 was a Kermit Erasmus show. 9 years later, here we are, and Kermit is the back home to lift the trophy again. @Erasmus_95 @orlandopirates pic.twitter.com/vRy5e2ZMhy
— Dembe Zuma (@FriendsOfZuma) May 25, 2023
The 2022/23 season has been a season of redemption for the Sea Robbers as it has seen them winning the MTN 8, finish as Runners-up in the league and now, in the final of the Nedbank Cup.
Sekhukhune United will be banking on the skill and pace of the talented Vusi Mncube to unlock the tight Pirates defense and the precision of Chibuike Ohizu for the goals. Daniel Cardoso will be instrumental at the back with his partner Edwin Gyimah, who is a former Buccaneer.
Sekhukhune United 🏋️♂️ 💪 pic.twitter.com/T5BAUMEJH0
— Themba Tshabalala (@Themba_TT) May 25, 2023
The man of the moment, Monnapule Saleng, will forge a partnership with Thembinkosi Lorch, who is the leading goalscorer in the Nedbank Cup for Pirates. Saleng has been nominated for top awards in the league and will look to crown his fantastic season with yet another trophy in addition to the MTN 8 Pirates won at the beginning of the season.
Monnapule Saleng – what more can we say? A nominee for : 😎
— Vodacom Soccer (@VodacomSoccer) May 24, 2023
🌟 @OfficialPSL Footballer of the Season
🌟 #DStvPrem Midfielder of the Season
🌟 #DStvPrem Players' Player of the Season
🌟 #MTN8 Player of the Tournament#PSLAwards2023 pic.twitter.com/6O6QuYFD7O
Score Prediction: 1-1
Sekhukhune United to win it 4-3 on penalties
