The final steppingstones are in sight to the cup of dreams becoming reality this Friday and Saturday in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.
Two sides battle it out with some complex history that funny enough determines the “true champions” this Friday night, while on Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns try to secure progress in the competition after faltering on the continental stage against South Africa’s new boys on the block, the spice people, Royal AM.
Friday 29 April
5/2 Tshakhuma FC | Draw 21/10 | Marumo Gallants 11/10 | (19:00)
Namesake Nedbank Cup champions Tshakhuma FC face off with actual Nedbank cup champions, Marumo Gallants. It couldn’t get more complicated, but it will get more interesting as both sides have delivered on the way to this crossroad.
Tshakhuma FC are the only side remaining from 18 preliminary round clubs and have had the longest journey in the cup. A 2-1 victory over CT All Stars set them on their way in December of last year. The round of 32 draw took place and TTM were handed PSL side Golden Arrows, followed by round of 16 action where TTM got a favourable draw against Sinenkani FC and dispatched them 3-0, with arguably the goal of the tournament – an overhead kick from Rhulani Manzini. In the quarter finals, I wrote TTM off as they would face SuperSport United, but a performance well and truly deserving of the result saw a 3-2 triumph with fans back in attendance for the first time at Thohoyandou Stadium, Venda.
The true defending champions, Marumo Gallants are on the path to triumph yet again. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa picked up a massive win via penalties over South African giants Orlando Pirates, preceded by Gallants soaring past Western Cape side, Santos, by two goals to nil in their first encounter. Their last cup fixture against Baroka was well executed with each player playing his part confidently in a 1-0 victory on the pristine turf at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Daniel “Dance” Malesela said he wants to play for trophies after defeating Amabhakabhaka.
Tshakhuma FC Form guide in all competitions: WLDWW
Marumo Gallants Form guide in all competitions: DDWLL
Prediction: Marumo Gallants (11/10)
Marumo Gallants struggled at the start of the season, but Dan Dance has been able to get the squad playing some free-flowing football that is pleasing to the eye. They have climbed the DStv Premiership standings since his appointment in November last year and coupled with the experience of players who lifted the cup last campaign, I see them progressing with the help of Phillip Ndlondlo all over again.
Saturday 30 April
5/2 Royal AM | Draw 21/10 | Mamelodi Sundowns 11/10 | 19:00
A first season in the topflight for Royal AM was born out of chaos but has been a success without silverware in the opinion of many diski fans, but they now welcome soon-to-be-crowned champions of the PSL for the fifth time running, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Royal AM’s run to the semis has been rather comfortable. Wins over Cape Town City (2-1) and Swallows (1-0), followed by the quarter-final 3-2 thriller stolen in the fourth minute of stoppage time thanks to Mfundo Thikazi, Thwihlli Thwahla has done their business within the allotted 90 minutes in each of their encounters.
Mamelodi Sundowns have breezed through each encounter, but when you look at the opposition they were dealt, the picture begins to clear up. Respectfully, 15 goals in three games is what Sundowns should be dealing the likes of Richards Bay, Mathathai and Summerfield Dynamos.
Royal AM Form guide in all competitions: DDWWW
Mamelodi Sundowns Form guide in all competitions: DLWWW
Prediction: Draw (21/10)
After stumbling in their preferred competition, the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns will now feel a hint of extra pressure when they face Royal AM. The home side have netted two goals against an almost impenetrable Sundowns defence in the league, and the Draw with Both Teams to Score (Yes) is my play, but it’s anyone’s guess to qualify for the finals from the penalty spot.
DOUBLE @ 55/10
Tshakhuma FC vs Marumo Gallants Draw 11/10
Royal AM vs Mamelodi Sundowns Draw 21/10
