DStv Premiership action is on hold as the highly-anticipated Nedbank Cup Round of 16 takes centre stage. Known famously as the "Cup of Upsets" that trend could potentially continue this weekend.
Thursday 14 March
Sekhukhune United 12/10 | Draw 2/1 | AmaZulu 22/10 | 19:00
Last season’s finalist Sekhukhune United will host Durban-based outfit AmaZulu in a Round of 16 clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Babina Noko previously faced ABC Motsepe League side Highlands Park in the Round of 32 which ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time. However, coach Lehlohonolo Seama’s side managed to progress to the next round after a 5-4 penalty-shootout win.
On the other hand, Usuthu dispatched DStv Premiership rivals Royal AM in a narrow 1-0 victory to book their spot in the next round.
The visitors have been underwhelming in their previous five matches across all competitions, with a solitary win. While Sekhukhune have been formidable in their last five outings. Tip the home side to win at over 2,5 goals.
Friday 15 March
Milford 12/1 | Draw 5/1 Stellenbosch 2/11 | 19:00
Giant slayers Milford FC will try to prove that their giant-killing act against Kaizer Chiefs was no fluke when they host Carling Black Label Knockout champions Stenllenbosch FC. The hosts come into this encounter highly motivated as underdogs. As for Stellies, their impressive form and effective style of play means they again could seal a deep cup run as in recent seasons. Both teams to score in this encounter at 12/10 and back the away side to be the overall winner.
Saturday 16 March
Chippa United 2/9 | Draw 9/2 | FC Ravens 10/1 | 15:00
On Saturday, the Chili Boys will face FC Ravens with a clear gulf in quality meaning Chippa should clinch a straightforward win over their ABC Motsepe opponents with home advantage. Make them a multiple in your bet slips.
Richards Bay 15/4 | Draw 23/10 | SuperSport United 7/10 | 15:00
SuperSport United travel to the King Zwelithini Stadium to face Richards Bay. The fixture could pose an unnecessary distraction for the fast-sinking Natal Rich Boys in their battle against relegation in the DStv Premiership. However, this will be the third meeting between Richards Bay’s coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi, and Gavin Hunt. The Richards Bay mentor has defeated Hunt in all previous contests.
This will be an exciting fixture for Matsatsantsa as it’s been four years since they last lifted silverware alongside Hunt’s charges being highly motivated after a positive result in the Tshwane derby. Back a draw in regulation time.
Orlando Pirates 1/10 | Draw 7/1 | Hungry Lions | 14/1 | 18:00
The final fixture of the day will see the defending champions, Orlando Pirates welcome Hungry Lions. The Sea Robbers will look to lay down a marker to the rest of the competition after also impressively claiming bragging rights in the recent Soweto derby. Pirates under Jose Riveiro have established themselves as cup specialists and perhaps the team to beat, they are a banker in this encounter.
Sunday 17 March
D’General 12/1 | Draw 5/1 | TS Galaxy 1/6 | 15:00
On Sunday we open the day’s action with TS Galaxy who travel to Free State Stadium to face ABC Motsepe League side D’General. Galaxy are a very disciplined side, play as a team and surely, they won’t take this match lightly, they should win comfortably here.
Mamelodi Sundowns 1/16 | Draw 8/1 | Maritzburg United 20/1 | 18:00
We wrap up the Round of 16 with fellow favourites Masandawana as they host KwaZulu-Natal outfit Maritzburg United. Sundowns have been in unstoppable form as they remain unbeaten in the league and again are the team to beat alongside the Buccaneers. Playing at home in front of their fans, the Brazilians should seal a comfortable win during regulation time, this is the bank of the week.
