PSL clubs are turning their focus to the Nedbank Cup tournament this week and weekend – we take a glance at who are the hot favourites to lift the title.
Orlando Pirates are the defending champions and are also through to the Last 16 of the Ke Yona competition. But the big question stands, who will dethrone the Buccaneers as the new 2023/24 Nedbank Cup champions?
Nedbank Cup: Who Are The Hot Title Contenders
The Nedbank Cup is known for its shocking results or many are tempted to rather call it a cup of surprises. On that note, one can remember previous shocks when Pirates were beaten by Maluti FET College 4-1 while Kaizer Chiefs were shocked by Milford FC this season.
As a reward, this season’s champions stand a chance to pocket a cool R7 million in prize money and automatically qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.
ORLANDO PIRATES
Coached by Jose Riveiro, Pirates will work hard to retain their Nedbank Cup trophy and they meet minnows Hungry Lions. In their opening Last 32 Nedbank Cup clash, Pirates made a bold statement by demolishing Crystal Lake 6-0.
The Soweto giants are in high spirits after beating Chiefs in the Soweto Derby last weekend via a 3-2 scoreline. Considering the mood in their camp and the drive to avoid another slip-up against a side from the lower tier, Pirates are one of the title contenders.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
The Limpopo-based DStv Premiership side made it to the final last season but were beaten by the eventual champions, Pirates. Under new management in the form of Lehlohonolo Seema, Babina Noko is unbeaten in five matches across all competitions.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic mentor, Seema is gunning for his maiden Nedbank Cup title with Sekhukhune. In their next Nedbank fixture, they face off against unconvincing AmaZulu on Thursday evening at home.
STELLENBOSCH FC
Coach Steve Barker’s men are seriously defying the odds this term when you look at the league run and in-cup competitions. Stellies will meet giant killers, Milford in the next Last 16 Nedbank contest and will be aware of avoiding what many may call a banana skin.
The Cape Winelands-based side is a favourite as they are the current Carling Knockout Cup champions and are also doing well in the league – sitting at number four.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The Brazilians remain unbeaten in the league after 18 matches and boast 46 points at the summit they have a chance to claim a treble. Coach Rulani Mokwena and his troops could face Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final, a second final in one season.
You will remember the MTN8 loss they suffered on penalties but Sundowns signalled their intentions by thrashing La Masia 6-1 in their opening Nedbank Cup tie. They are up against Maritzburg United from the Motsepe Foundation Championship in the next round on Sunday and there’s no doubt they will not be in the next draw.
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (AMATUKS)
This is another Motsepe Foundation Championship team that is still in the competition and as giant slayers of note, they have a chance to win it.
AmaTuks dispatched Moroka Swallows on Wednesday night and are motivated to go all the way to the final. However, the Tshwane-based side will need to balance their ambitions, to gain promotion to the elite division and pocket a hefty cheque as Nedbank Cup champions.
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