The Nedbank Cup last 16 was finalized last night after an exciting opening round of 32 that saw Dondol Stars knockout five-time champions SuperSport United.
The Nedbank Cup last 16 was finalized last night after an exciting opening round of 32 that saw Dondol Stars knockout five-time champions SuperSport United.
While dates and venues aren’t confirmed, the remaining 16 know who they’ll be facing next. Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been pitted against Marumo Gallants in a repeat of last season’s final.
13-time Nedbank Cup winners, Kaizer Chiefs, have a tricky encounter against Motsepe Foundation Championship table toppers Casric Stars (who won 4-0 against Mkhambathi FC in the previous round), while their neighbours Orlando Pirates host Venda Football Academy.
Giant slayers, Dondol Stars, have been given another DStv Premiership side in the form of AmaZulu FC, who are still searching for their first trophy since Sandile Zungu took over the club.
#NedbankCup Round of 16
— Hollywoodbets (@Hollywoodbets) February 15, 2023
Orlando Pirates vs Venda Football Academy
Golden Arrows vs Royal AM
Marumo Gallants vs Sundowns
Chippa United vs Mpeni Home Defenders
Dondol Stars vs AmaZulu
Kaizer Chiefs vs Casric Stars
Sekhukhune vs Cape Town Spurs
TS Galaxy vs Stellenbosch FC pic.twitter.com/9TQQs22BWm
Here’s how players reacted after the Nedbank Cup round of 16 draw
Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper and assistant goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene: “It’s a fair draw for us. Marumo is a very difficult team, but it’s a team that we’re familiar with because we play in the same league. It won’t be easy because the league is still on, and we’re also playing in the CAF Champions League.”
Sekhukhune United captain Linda Mntambo: “We’re playing against a quality side in Cape Town Spurs. If you look at their league games, they’ve been doing quite well. In the Nedbank Cup [round of 32], they won 3-0, so they will not be walkovers. We need to bring our A-game on that day.”
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare: “We should give this game the level of respect it deserves. It’s a very tricky fixture. We could have a huge problem if we’re not mentally ready and have the right attitude. What also makes it difficult is that it’s not a team we watch every week on TV, so we’ll have to research how they’ve played in previous games.”
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma said: “We’re facing a team that’s been doing well in their league. They are number one, so we know it will not be easy. As Kaizer Chiefs, we’re looking forward to the fixture and want to progress to the next round. We will go out there and perform and give our best. As players, we know that it’s been eight years since we last won a trophy, and now we have another chance in the Nedbank to get some silverware, at least. We’re going to give it our all.”
