Preview: Cosmos and Pirates to clash in Nedbank Cup at Olen Park

It will take a brave man to bet on the outcome of the last 16 encounter between Orlando Pirates and Jomo Cosmos at Olen Park in Potchefstroom on Sunday, 3 April. Orlando Pirates have form and reputation on their side as they seem to be saving their best football for the latter part of the season.

Thabo Rakhale, Thabo Qalinge and Tendai Ndoro are just a few of the names who are setting the local football scene on fire. Jomo Cosmos on the other hand has home ground advantage and the tactical know how of Jomo Sono on their side. Sono himself is a Pirates legend and his iconic number 10 shirt will forever be cherished by the Soweto fan base. That however is part of history and Sono will want to repeat the upset win that Cosmos achieved earlier this year.
In that particular encounter Cosmos won 1-0 in a rain- drenched match at Olën Park with Charlton Mashumba scoring the winner. Cosmos keeper Sherwin Naicker was absolutely brilliant as well and denied Pirates on numerous occasions.

Pirates though exacted their revenge in the best way possible earlier this month at the Orlando Stadium with a 5-0 thrashing of Cosmos. Things are much different though when it comes to cup competitions. The playing field is levelled and anything can happen in the 90 minutes. Knockout football has the ability to unearth new heroes and villains.

A late goal or spectacular save can alter the course of the match and both Pirates coach Eric Tinkler and Cosmos coach Jomo Sono will hope their side can pull the trigger to advance to the quarter finals. Pirates impressed in the round of 32 clash with their rivals Chiefs with a 2-0 victory, while Cosmos scrapped through on penalties against National First Division side, AmaZulu.

The only important thing will be that both sides have a chance to win the tournament irrespective of how they progress – winning will be the only option on both teams agenda. Tickets can be purchased at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers stores nationwide. Tickets will cost R40 for adults and R15 for children under the age of 12. Kickoff is at 15:00.
Key Players
Jomo Cosmos
•Sherwin Naicker
•Cheslyn Jampies
•Peintjie Zulu
•Charlton Mashumba
Orlando Pirates
•Tendai Ndoro
•Mpho Makola
•Thabo Qalinge
•Ayanda Gcaba