The 2019/20 edition of the Nedbank Cup was launched at Nedbank’s offices in Johannesburg on Thursday – four weeks ahead of the kick-off of the round of 32.
The launch included the eight clubs from the SAFA structures – six of them making their debut appearance in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 stage. There are three additional new entrants in the competition from GladAfrica Championship.
The launch was followed by the round of 32 draw which pitted the rest of the teams from top flight football against some of the country’s amateur outfits.
The Nedbank Cup is South Africa’s oldest and one of the most prestigious knockout competitions, and off the pitch, it offers ordinary fans the opportunity to realise their aspirations through several life-changing initiatives. Unlike any other, the tournament sees amateurs playing against top professionals and getting an opportunity to prove they can rise to the challenge and conquer the elite clubs.
The previous season saw an unprecedented final where GladAfrica Championship outfit TS Galaxy beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0, landing them the opportunity to showcase their skills at an even bigger stage on the continent, the CAF Confederations Cup.
PSL’s acting Chief Executive, Mato Madlala said: “Last season’s Nedbank Cup had all the ingredients that have made this competition one of the most sustainable and relevant competitions. The victory by TS Galaxy gives true meaning to what this competition is all about. As the PSL, we are excited about what is in store this year. We have a number of new faces in the 2020 edition and we hope they will add a new dimension to the competition.”
Nedbank Group Executive for Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Nthabiseng Matshekga added: “The Nedbank Cup continues to provide a platform for teams from emerging leagues to lock horns with professional clubs to realise their football aspirations. TS Galaxy’s victory last year is proof of the enormous impact of the tournament on rising stars.
“As Nedbank, driving financial education and enhancing financial inclusion through football remains a strategic imperative for us. We demonstrated this through the Finance and Football Forum held for the first time last year, we aim to build on this goal to empower all South Africans to develop knowledge and habits to manage their money well. We will use the Nedbank Cup as a conduit to help South Africans get ready to kick-off their 2020 goals with heart and determination.” concludes Matshekga.
Nedbank Cup – Round of 16 Draw Results:
1. Polokwane City vs Baroka FC
2. Zizwe United vs Happy Wanderers
3. Stellenbosch FC vs Maritzburg United
4. Orlando Pirates vs Bidvest Wits
5. Amavarara FC vs Super Eagles
6. Vaal University of Technology vs Lamontville Golden Arrows
7. Chippa United vs TS Galaxy
8. Bloemfontein Celtic vs AmaZulu FC
9. Mbombela United vs Cape Town City
10. Black Leopards vs North West University
11. Mamelodi Sundowns vs SuperSport United
12. Kaizer Chiefs vs Royal Eagles
13. Highlands Park vs Uthongathi FC
14. Passion FC vs Real Kings
15. Ajax Cape Town vs TS Sporting
16. Jomo Cosmos vs Hungry Lions FC© Premier Soccer League
SOURCED FROM THE PSL WEBSITE.
