Soweto Derby Takes Centre Stage in Nedbank Cup Semi-finals

The semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup, South Africa’s leading football competition, have been confirmed, with Kaizer Chiefs set to take on Orlando Pirates, and Stellenbosch FC facing off against Sekhukhune United in a bid to secure a place in the 2023 final. The draw was made at Chatsworth Stadium after the quarterfinal encounter between Royal AM and Kaizer Chiefs.

The Nedbank Cup provides amateur clubs with the opportunity to compete against top professionals, allowing them to prove themselves and potentially defeat some of the game’s biggest names. This season, amateur club Dondol Stars made history by defeating two league teams and reaching the competition’s quarterfinals.

The tournament’s title sponsor, Nedbank, has teamed up with football legend Pitso Mosimane, former players Stanton Fredericks, Teko Modise, and Daine Klate, as well as footballer Siphiwe Tshabalala, to encourage South Africans to make decisions that will benefit their futures. Nedbank has exciting activities planned for the semifinals, including opportunities for football fans to interact with tournament ambassadors in the days leading up to match days.

Kaizer Chiefs defeated Royal AM 2-1 in the quarterfinals, with a penalty in extra time securing their place in the semi-finals. The first half was a close one, with both teams vying for midfield dominance. Manganyi headed the ball into the bottom right corner of the net from a corner, and the Durban crowd had to wait until the 28th minute for the first attempt at goal, which resulted in the opening goal. However, the visitors responded eight minutes later with an own goal by Matlaba.

Chiefs struggled to find their rhythm in the second half, with their first shot on goal coming in the 76th minute. Siyethemba Sithebe came within inches of putting them ahead, but his shot hit the crossbar. In the 102nd minute of extra time, Yusuf Maart converted from the penalty spot to secure their place in the semi-finals.

The semi-finals promise to be an exciting weekend of football, with Kaizer Chiefs taking on their archrivals, the Orlando Pirates. The two teams have had a long-standing rivalry dating back to the 1970s, with matches between them dubbed the “Soweto derby.” This will undoubtedly be an exciting match, with fans from both teams eager to see who will triumph.

In the other semi-final, Stellenbosch FC will face Sekhukhune United. Stellenbosch FC is a relatively new team, having been founded in 2016, but they have made steady progress and are looking to make a name for themselves in South African football. Sekhukhune United, which was formed in 2018, is also a new team, but they have already achieved success in the lower leagues, winning the ABC Motsepe League in 2019.

The Nedbank Cup has a long history in South African football, beginning in 1971 with the first competition. The competition has evolved over the years, but it remains a highlight of the South African football calendar. Some of South Africa’s biggest names have won the cup, including Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Nedbank Cup is not only a showcase for South Africa’s best football talent, but it also provides an opportunity for amateur clubs to make their mark. Dondol Stars proved this season that anything is possible, and they will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to other amateur teams looking to make a name for themselves in the competition.

Main Image:    South African

The post Soweto Derby Takes Centre Stage in Nedbank Cup Semi-finals appeared first on Entertainment SA - South African Entertainment News, Celebrity and Lifestyle Online Magazine & Entertainment.