Bucs and Downs avoid each other by a whisker

Delight abounded in the draw session of the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals when the only surviving giants, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, avoided each other.

March 19, 2024

Sipho Siso 2 minutes read

Downs coach Rhulani Mokwena shares a rare moment with his Nedbank Cup quarter-final opponents AmaTuks assistant coach Tlisane Motaung at the draw. Photo: Sipho Siso

When only four teams were left in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals draw pot last night (March 18) and everybody was anticipating a big clash between the Tshwane giants Mamelodi Sundowns and their Soweto arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.

USuthu coach Pablo Franco is happy with a home fixture against the Bucs. Photo: Sipho Siso

When the name of AmaTuks came out first from the pot, followed by that of Sundowns, the media contingent and coaches mumbled words to each other that amounted to a breath of a great sigh of relief that the two giants had avoided each other.
AmaTuks assistant coach Tlisane Motaung offered respect for the Brazilians, describing them as the best team on the continent, but that they are beatable too. “We can beat them the same way we did to Moroka Swallows if our preparations go well, coupled with a little bit of lady luck on our side,” he said.

Downs coach Rhulani Mokwena is happy for a short travel to Tshwane. Photo: Sipho Siso

Asked about this great escape, both coaches were non-committal. “Anything could have happened in the draw. I would have accepted whatever opponent I got, but I am happy it’s a short trip as I don’t have to travel much,” said Downs coach Rhulani Mokwena.

Bucs coach Jose Riveiro says AmaZulu will be no walk in the park. Photo: Sipho Siso

“I would have had no qualms either as I cannot change the draw. Once the team name comes out and we are paired with whosoever, I don’t have an option but to accept the outcome for as long as it was a fair draw.
“AmaZulu will not be a walk in the park and we need to go back to the drawing board and prepare meticulously for this clash if we are to retain the trophy,” were the remarks from Bucs coach Jose Riveiro.

Seasoned SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt prays for progression to the semis. Photo: Sipho Siso

The Buccaneers, who have not minced their words on their desire to go all the way in defence of the trophy, drew AmaZulu in an away fixture, prompting delight from USuthu coach Pablo Franco for at least having been drawn as the home side.
“Being the home side should give us a little of the edge and I am going all out to prepare for this fixture as it is now the only option left for my dream to return the team to continental football.”

Chippa United’s Kwanele Kopo shakes off the idea that pressure is on his Nelson Mandela Bay side. Photo: Sipho Siso

Chippa United’s Kwanele Kopo shook off the idea that pressure was on his Nelson Mandela Bay side, saying the pressure was equally the same for his side as much as it was for TS Galaxy’s Sead Ramovic, who agreed with Kopo’s assertion.
“We are both feeling the same pressure and whoever comes out with the best tactics on the day will progress to semis, and I can only hope it’s me on the day,” he said.

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker described his opponent SuperSport United as a ‘tough nut to crack’ and hopes the players will also come to the party and do the job while seasoned SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt prays for progression to the semis.