Time to deposit goals with interest

The stage is set for the ABC Motsepe Promotional League campaigners, Phiva Young Stars and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfits, Mpumalanga Black Aces, who will represent the entire province in what is set to be a football feast during one of the most lucrative domestic cup competitions, the Nedbank Cup.

Nedbank, in partnership with the PSL officially drew the battle lines last Thursday night, taking the first step towards determining who would be crowned champions of the 2014/15 Nedbank Cup.

During this draw, Mpumalanga Black Aces were pitted against Maritzburg United FC, while the other home team, Phiva Young Stars were drawn against the National First Division (NFD) side, Jomo Cosmos.

Even though the PSL hasn’t confirmed dates and times for these fixtures, one thing that is certain, is that both teams will enjoy home advantage, meaning that Maritzburg United and Jomo Cosmos will be coming here.

Speaking on behalf of the Young Stars, Thabo Manyovu Mnisi said they were ready for Cosmos and would fight tooth and nail to go all the way to the last 16.

“We have done our homework and we are both mentally and physically ready to take Cosmos on. All that is left is for our supporters and all local football fans to buy tickets and come and cheer us on.
Remember, we are not just representing Nkomazi but the entire province,” said Mnisi.

He said they would use all their coming league fixtures to hone their skills and work on a number of challenges. This Saturday they will host God Chosen in a league tier, scheduled for the Kamhlushwa Stadium, at 15:00.

The round of 32 clubs battling it out has been set to February 17. At stake is the grand prize of R7 million.
PSL CEO, Brand de Villiers added, “The Nedbank Cup is a tournament that has a special place in the hearts of South Africans.

“It is a tournament that has authored some of the most amazing and epic stories of rags to riches. As the league – and as an organisation that believes in unearthing new talent and giving platform to aspiring athletes – we pride ourselves on what this competition has done through our partnership with Nedbank.

“We look forward to the 2014/15 edition of the Nedbank Cup.”
The last round of 32 consists of 16 clubs in the PSL, eight from the National First Division and eight from the Safa structures respectively.

The Nedbank Cup is the only cup competition in South Africa that affords the winners a chance to compete against the best teams on the African continent through the CAF Confederations Cup.