Our football analyst previews the Nedbank Cup Final which takes place on Saturday 18 May 2019.
It’s a David versus Goliath situation at Durban’s iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium as TS Galaxy takes on Kaizer Chiefs in the eagerly-awaited Nedbank Cup final. A great deal of anticipation stems from potential storylines which could be Amakhosi salvaging a disastrous season by adding some silverware to their trophy cabinet or a one-year-old club shocking the most decorated team in the country!
Nedbank Cup Final
Saturday 18 May
Moses Mabhida Stadium
19:00
To Win
Kaizer Chiefs 3/10
Draw 34/10
TS Galaxy 11/1
Kaizer Chiefs
On the PSL front, Ernst Middendorp’s men have been shambolic, finishing outside the top eight for the first time in 12 years after remaining winless in their last seven league games. The final presents a golden opportunity for them to give their fans something to cheer about. An electric atmosphere is expected as tickets were sold out within a few days of being available.
The poor run of form has seen the team part ways with some deadwood in Bongolwethu Jayiya, Virgil Vries, Pule Ekstein, Gustavo Paez and Khotso Malope. Bruce Bvuma has been a revelation in the second half of the season and if it weren’t for him, the team would have endured even more pain. I expect the goalkeeper to continue saving his team in this final as Daniel Akpeyi is cup-tied.
Khama Billiat has been the Naturena-based club’s standout performer which has earned him a Player of the Tournament nomination. Another player that has done well is Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and he has been nominated for the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player award. He should start at left-back in Happy Mashiane’s absence and we saw the coach leaving him out last week against Chippa United as he could have picked up a yellow card that sees him miss the final.
This competition has been kind to Kaizer Chiefs as this is the third lower-tier side that they’re facing this year, but what’s interesting is the fact that it took extra time for them to overcome both Tornado FC and The Magic.
TS Galaxy
Dan Malesela’s boys have defied all odds and made their way through to the final in their first year of existence. They have already slayed a top flight team in Golden Arrows to reach this stage of the competition. That 3-1 victory saw Zakhele Lepasa who is on loan from Orlando Pirates net a brace and he has been nominated for the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player and the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament awards.
Speaking of key players and nomination, Terrence Mashego has also been superb this season and he is also in the running for the Most Promising Player of the Tournament award. Chiefs should keep a close eye on those two players. The Rockets are playing without pressure as they’re the underdogs but it remains to be seen if they’re not going to suffer stage fright in front of their largest crowd ever.
The club owner, Tim Sukazi, has indicated that they’re an ambitious team and participating in the CAF Confederations Cup is a challenge they’re willing to embrace. Galaxy’s recent league form has been poor though as they’re winless in their last four games with three defeats and one draw. It shows that, just like Kaizer Chiefs, they’ve been focusing on this final.
Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs (-1) Handicap (1/1)
I foresee the NFD outfit suffering from stage fright and the hungry Chiefs putting them to the sword. This should be a convincing victory for Amakhosi in a vociferous Moses Mabhida Stadium where they’re greatly adored. I’m backing them on the (-1) Handicap at even money.
Written by @EggsBenedictZA
