Stellenbosch FC host Sekhukhune United in their Nedbank Cup semifinal at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday, with each club seeking a first ever cup final appearance.
There will be plenty of areas on the field where the game could be won or lost, so coming out on top in the individual battles will be key to overall success.
We look at three key match-ups that could be crucial in deciding the outcome.
IQRAAM RAYNERS VS DANIEL CARDOSO
Rayners has been in ridiculous form since re-joining Stellenbosch FC from SuperSport United in January, netting 15 goals in 11 games, including six in the Nedbank Cup that have taking him to the top of the scorers charts this season. Just how Sekhukhune contain him with his incredible pace could be key to this tie. But he will be up against a wily old character in experienced defender Daniel Cardoso, who is in his first season at Sekhukhune after seven years at Kaizer Chiefs. Cardoso has been an ever-present for his new club, who have the fifth best defence in the topflight this season and only conceded once in three games in the Nedbank Cup. He has been a big part of that. This will be a huge battle on the day.
JUNIOR MENDIETA VS KAMOHELO MOKOTJO
Mendieta makes Stellenbosch tick, it is as simple as that. When he is on the ball he provides chances and goals, and no player has more assists than him in the South African topflight this season. If Sekhukhune can keep him quiet, they will go a long way towards winning the game. Tasked with that could be veteran former Bafana Bafana midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo, who is as experienced as they come and on his day a superb operator in controlling the middle of the park. He will have a plan to keep Mendieta quiet, but it is easier said than done to contain the Argentine and Mokotjo will have to be top of his game.
OLWETHU MAKHANYA VS VICTOR LETSOALO
Victor Letsoalo has proven himself to be one of the best finishers in the South African League and if you give him half a chance in or around the six-yard box he will pounce. He is one of the main goal threats from Sekhukhune along with Nigerian Chibuike Ohizu and they could prove a handful for the Stellies defence. But the home side have a superb teenage talent in the form of Olwethu Makhanya, who has shot to prominence this campaign and proven a rock at the back. For one so young, he has a cool head on his shoulders, with good pace and a strong physique. He will make life difficult for his more experienced opponents.
SOURCED FROM THE NEDBANK CUP WEBSITE.
