The 16 National First Division (NFD) clubs will be vying for the eight Nedbank Cup places on offer this afternoon, December 15.
The eight qualifying sides from the NFD will be joined by eight clubs from Safa’s lower divisions, and together with the 16 PSL clubs, will form part of the final 32 clubs that participate in the Nedbank Cup proper next year.
Today’s eight matches across the country are all scheduled to kick off at 15:00.
VASCO DA GAMA vs. MBOMBELA UNITED – PAROW PARK
These two sides have met in the Nedbank Cup before, but have not yet clashed in the league. Last time around, in February 2013, NFD side Vasco travelled to Mbombela, who were still in the Second Division at that stage, and won 4-1.
This time, the Mpumalanga outfit are in fourth place on the NFD table, eight spots and eight points above Vasco, who have made a slow start to their league campaign.
Top scorers: Vasco – Mbulelo Wambi (4) and Mbombela – Sifiso Thomo (4).
HIGHLANDS PARK vs. MILANO UNITED – MAKHULONG STADIUM
Just a point and one place separates seventh-placed Highlands Park from eighth-positioned Milano United. The Gauteng side managed to beat Milano 2-0 in the Cape back in September in a league match, while last season’s two games both ended in draws.
Top scorers: Highlands Park – Jermaine Christian (3) and Milano – Brandon Theron (3).
AMAZULU vs. THANDA ROYAL ZULU – PRINCESS MAGOGO STADIUM
AmaZulu are sixth on the table and Thanda 10th, with four points separating these two sides who have already met in a goal-less KZN derby in the NFD this season.
Top scorers: AmaZulu – Bornwell Mwape (5) and Thanda – Menzi Hlope (3).
BAROKA FC vs. ROYAL EAGLES – OLD PETER MOKABA STADIUM
This game has the makings of a thriller as top-of-the-table Baroka take on an in-form Eagles side currently lying fifth in the NFD. The two teams played to a 2-2 draw in the Limpopo earlier this season, while Baroka beat Eagles twice in the previous league campaign.
Top scorers: Baroka – Thabiso Kutumela (12) and Eagles – Katlego Mphela (4).
WITBANK SPURS vs. SANTOS – PUMA RUGBY STADIUM
Spurs, second on the NFD table, will be hoping to transfer their fine league form into the Cup. Santos (ninth) have been in outstanding form of late, winning four of their last five games. An earlier league meeting this season, back in September, saw Spurs winning 1-0 in Cape Town.
Top scorers: Spurs – Cleopas Dube (5) and Santos – Suhayl Allie (4).
MOROKA SWALLOWS vs. F.C. CAPE TOWN – DOBSONVILLE STADIUM
Its third last takes on second last as these two struggling NFD teams meet in the Cup. In the only previous time the two clubs have met, in August this year, Swallows recorded a 1-0 home win.
Top scorers: Swallows – Siyabonga Nomvethe (2) and FC CT – Maboke Matlakala (3).
AFRICAN WARRIORS vs. BLACK LEOPARDS – CHARLES MOPELI STADIUM
Two points separate Warriors (13th) and Leopards (11th) on the NFD standings, both sides having struggled for consistency this season. An earlier season clash, also played in the Free State, ended in a 0-0 draw.
Top scorers: Leopards – Thembisani Nevhulamba (3) and Warriors – Thamsanqa Ngema (2).
MTHATHA BUCKS vs. CAPE TOWN ALL STARS – MTHATHA STADIUM
Bucks get some respite from their league woes, where they are yet to win this season. Stars, fourth on the table, will start their first game since Ian Taylor returned to the club as head coach. The sides have met in the league already this season, the Cape Town side winning 1-0 at Athlone.
Top scorers: Stars – Stanley Makgoka (2) and Bucks – Moses Spandeel (3).
Credit: PSL MEDIA
