Following the completion of the Nedbank Cup quarter-final matches, Mamelodi Sundowns avoided Orland Pirates in the semi-final draw. Sundowns will now meet Stellenbosch while Pirates are pitted against Chippa United in what is seen as the biggest encounter of the tournament. Fresh from a win over the University of Pretoria, a win for Sundowns could set up a mouthwatering cup final against Pirates who are out to defend their title.
The Nedbank Cup semi-final draw was conducted on Sunday afternoon just after the final matches of the quarter-finals.
Nedbank Cup: Sundowns Avoid Pirates in Semi-Final Draw
Coach Rulani Mokwena and his men were handed a difficult draw as they will travel to Cape Town to face Stellenbosch in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at Danie Craven Stadium. The draw for the semi-final was conducted after the Chilli Boys defeated TS Galaxy 2-0 at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday to reach this stage. Stellenbosch, who are unbeaten in 21 matches across all competitions dumped Sundowns in the quarter-final of this competition last year and will look for a repeat again.
The Tshwane giants, Sundowns reached the semis after beating Tuks 4-3 on penalties at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday, while Stellies thumped SuperSport United 4-0 at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday. The other semi-final will see Thabo September and Kwanele Kopo’s men meet Pirates at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The Gqeberha-based side reached the semi-final after dispatching the Rockets via a 2-0 win on Sunday.
Nedbank Cup Final: Mbombela Announced as Hosting Venue
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League also announced that the final for the Nedbank Cup will take place at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. The dates and venues for the semifinals will be announced in due course by the league as Pirates will look to retain their title and return to CAF interclub football.
Coach Riveiro said he was pleased with their display after beating Usuthu via a 4-2 scoreline. He added:
“It’s unbelievable to play here in Durban [because] the fans always come in large numbers. The atmosphere in this game was something very special and we are so happy to offer a good performance, a good show, first of all, and then a good result. We are more than satisfied to be in the next round.”
“I think it was a really good football match. Both teams, maybe with different types of approaches, tried to get a result that can drive them into the semifinals. There were a lot of emotions and passion in the game. I think we had a fantastic start to the game… we started the way we dream to start the games, electric and creating chances, suffocating the opponent in their own half but we couldn’t capitalise on that dominance in the first minutes of the game.”
Related: Tuks vs Sundowns Review: Downs Dump Tuks To Reach Semis
