NEDBANK CUP SEMI-FINALS ON THE MENUE THIS SUNDAY
Nie Cele
It’s Ke Yona last four week and club coaches are all hoping to win en-route to the final and lift the coveted cup by hook or crook and qualify for CAF Confederation Cup.
Winners of this prestigious Mzansi FA Cup gets an earth shattering prize money, trophy and goes all the way to compete at the CAF Confederation Cup betterly known as TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
This competition was established in 2004 from a merger of the CAF Cup and the African Cup Winners’ Cup by CAF.
BACK TO THE STORY!
Four Betway PSL teams are expected to lock horns in a much anticipated mouth -watering encounters this afternoon.
In-form and defending champions Orlando Pirates is expected to face Marumo Gallants FC, at home 3pm, while at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane Mamelodi Sundowns will host unpredictable Kaizer Chiefs at 6pm in what is seen as a clash of titans.
The Nedbank Cup is the current name of South Africa’s premier club soccer knockout tournament. While many formats have been used over the years , the tournament has always been based on the idea of giving lower league and amateur teams a chance to compete with clubs from the top league for the cup.
The tournament is based on the English FA Cup which has become known for “giant killings” (Lower league clubs defeating a top- flight club)
At a recent media briefing in Sandton where coaches pre-viewed their opponents, first on the podium was Pirates Gaffer, Jose Riverio.
He told a packed media Nedbank Cup competition was a very important tournament for his team and is something to celebrate that his team is taking part in the last stages of the competition.
He acknowledged that the last time they faced Gallants things didn’t go well for his charges where they lost 2-0. Gallants is the last team to beat Pirates in a revenge match this season after Pirates hammered them 8-1 in a league match prior.
“I am sure they know us as good as we know them so nowadays in football there is no secrets about what the teams are capable to do its about the way you approach the game on the day and we need to be ready for many different scenarios.
“It’s a new story on Sunday and a game of consequences. It’s a cup game and there is a possibility to go to the finals.”
Speaking via interpreter Kaizer Chief Assistant Khalil Ben Youssef, Amakhosi Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Chiefs will be locking horns with Mamelodi Sundowns in another Nedbank Cup semi-final later this afternoon.
“ For this game I am not thinking only about myself but for the fans and the club and also our players. It’s a big opportunity for us to write history for the team. “
Nabi also confessed the club was not in good or great situation.
“The last three games were so difficult for us. Because from the beginning we have problems when playing these teams that we are normally better than them. Had a lot of meetings and analysed the situation with the players and technical staff to see what the problem is and corrected it.
“That s in the past and now we are thinking about the Sunday game against Sundowns . Our team is now playing to win this cup, “he said.
Pressed further, Nabi revealed he was not facing any pressure except the one coming from the fans.
“I feel uncomfortable if someone from outside feel I am not honest about the team and the fans.”
Meanwhile high riding Sundowns coach, Miguel Cardoso, made his intentions clear that he needs to put his charges on a high level citing their recent CAF ranking that has put his club at number 2 in the continent behind Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
“We have a strong mental work to do to put our players at high level of concentration. Our players have been provided enough rest ahead of this tie against Chiefs. Every one in the camp will be thinking about the Nedbank Cup match.
Cardoso also reiterated that every match at Downs is a final. “We need to play to win and I have received high level of commitment from the players. Hope it will be fantastic to meet Pirates in the final.
NB All PICTURES SOURCED FROM YOUTUBE.
