The Nedbank Cup tournament has entered the Last Eight stages and it seems the so-called Big Three will keep avoiding each other until the next phase.
Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns are all through to the quarter-finals of the showpiece.
After the round of the Last 16 that was played last weekend, the Soweto giants were handed what one could say easy draws on Monday evening.
The draw was conducted on Monday evening and saw the Buccaneers, who have won the title on eight occasions, pitted against Dondol Stars who are slowly building a reputation as giant killers.
The ABC Motsepe League campaigners defeated SuperSport United before dispatching AmaZulu who are both campaigning in the South African top flight.
While coach Jose Riveiro’s troops downed lower division sides such as Venda Football Academy and All Stars in the previous rounds, they are warned to tread carefully against Stars.
Checking out Amakhosi, manager Arthur Zwane is aware that he cannot waste such a glorious opportunity to lift a trophy after eight seasons without one.
The Glamour Boys are fresh from a not-so-convincing victory over Casric Stars last weekend and managed to book a win over Maritzburg United in their opening clash.
There’s no doubt that Chiefs will be desperate to overcome Royal AM but there are questions about their defensive frailties.
Some pundits believe there is no cohesion at the club when it comes to the players understanding each other and that will be exposed sooner than later.
Looking at the other big clash of the Last Eight, Sundowns are set to clash against Stellenbosch who are enjoying fine form at the moment.
One will remember that the Cape Winelands-based club is the one which ended Sundowns’ 15-match unbeaten run a week ago.
On the other hand, Steve Barker’s charges are also unbeaten in six matches in all competitions and this encounter has all the ingredients of a thriller.
Just in their most recent Nedbank Cup tie, they defeated TS Galaxy via a 6-3 scoreline and are hot favourites to stun the Tshwane giants.
Despite ‘Downs’ 1-all draw against Stellies away from home last Sunday, they managed to bounce back to winning and demolished Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League via a 5-2 score margin on Saturday afternoon.
Rulani Mokwena’s men beat Marumo Gallants and Richards Bay FC to get to this stage and they’ll be up against a team that is one of only four to take points off them in the league this season.
The Premier Soccer League is expected to announce the dates and venues for the eagerly anticipated matches.
Full Nedbank Cup Last 16 Fixtures:
Kaizer Chiefs vs Royal AM
Orlando Pirates vs Dondol Stars
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stellenbosch
Sekhukhune United vs Chippa United
Main Image: Thembinkosi Lorch/TheCitizen
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