There will be more finals - Truter.

Sekhukhune United head coach, Brandon Truter, has every reason to believe his side will reach more cup finals.

Sekhukhune proved beyond any reasonable doubt that they can box against the best when they pushed Orlando Pirates to the limit in their 2-1 Nedbank Cup loss on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Although aging a bit, Sekhukhune players have shown they still have hunger for the game and success that comes with winning.

Having lifted them up from the depths of the relegation zone, Truter has managed to get the best out of players like Edwin Gyimah and Sipho Ntiya-Ntiya, who seem to have found a new lease on life under his guidance.

The addition of talented duo, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Sibusiso Viakazi has added much needed depth in Truter's squad.

Judging by their performances in the second half of the season, and their spirited display against Pirates on Saturday, there is only one way that Babina Noko are headed, and that is all the way up.

"I think it was a good final for the supporters, a good advert for Nedbank. Of course, we scored early, and they scored the last goal and won it," said a proud Truter as quoted by SABC Sport.

"I'm extremely proud of the boys, with the strides made this season – so many accolades, so many achievements, so I can't be bitter about this result.

"I'm sure there will be more finals with the progression in the team, but other than that, you wake up in the morning with expectations and the day will end with experiences."

ALSO READ: If happiness was a football club, that club would be Orlando Pirates: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/happiness-lives-at-orlando-pirates.html

By virtue of reaching the Nedbank Cup final, with winners Pirates set to take part in the CAF Champions League, Sekhukhune will find themselves in the CAF Confederations Cup next season. 

Happiness lives at Orlando Pirates.

If happiness was a football club, that club would be Orlando Pirates.

The Buccaneers completed their successful 2022/23 season by lifting the Nedbank Cup after beating Sekhukhune United 2-1.

Having won the MTN8 earlier in the season, Pirates also finished second on the log, earning themselves a place in the CAF Champions League.

Jose Riveiro, who is in his first season with Bucs, and also in the running for coach of the season, should be commended for the brilliant work he has done with the club.

To achieve what he achieved in his debut season is no small feat.

It is in the way he went about winning the double and qualifying for the CAFCL that Riveiro has been impressive.

Amabhakaniya play attractive, attacking football that maximizes the strength of their players.

Defensively, they are solid, which speaks volumes about Riveiro's tactical acumen. To achieve the kind of balance between offensive and defensive play he has been able to achieve is not an easy thing to do. But the Spaniard has done it with aplomb.

It is his players that Riveiro is proud of, whom he says they did everything, and everything they did!

ALSO READ: Haaland on his EPL debut season: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/first-season-in-epl-went-beyond.html

"My players did everything, it’s not easy to play in an exciting day like today,” said Riveiro as quoted by iDiski Times.

"We are learning, we are getting better. We want to play more finals, so this is going to be a good learning process for us.

"I’m extremely happy with the victory, as you can imagine, for everybody, for the fans, for the people in the club, family, friends."

With the kind of performances they displayed this season, one can boldly say that Pirates will be the team to beat next season.

If Riveiro, once called a 'plumber', can achieve what he achieved in his first season, more can be expected from him, a league title maybe? 

Truter showers Riveiro with praises before Nedbank Cup final showdown.

                 Image: iDiskiTv

Brandon Truter knows how to talk a good game before a big game.

The Sekhukhune United coach has showered his Orlando Pirates counterpart, Jose Riveiro with sweet praises ahead of the two sides Nedbank Cup final clash on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

If anything, Riveiro should be blushing from Truter's praises.

Nonetheless, none of what Truter says about the Spanish tactician is lie.

Orlando Pirates play some attractive attacking football, and slowly but surely, one can see the identity that Riveiro is instilling in the team.

A second place finish, which takes Pirates to the CAF Champions League, an MTN8 trophy in the bag, and a Nedbank Cup final, which could mean another trophy loading, means Riveiro deserves all the praises he can get, and Truter is not stingy with them.

"Jose has done fantastically well this season," he said as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/riveiro-improves-sa-football-truter/

"In terms of the strides that he made at the club, at Pirates, creating an identity as well.

"This is the type of coaches we should be attracting to the PSL, in terms of adding value to the product, in terms of helping our development in South Africa as a country where football is going.

"I think Pirates at this stage has a clear identity of attractive, attacking football and that’s how you want football to be played in the end of the day.

"That identity is clear, also with the striker’s coach and coach Mandla [Ncikazi] as well."

ALSO READ: Mailula thought they were going to extra-time against Wydad:http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/i-thought-are-we-going-to-extra-time.html

Perhaps, one of the biggest truths in Truter's praise of Riveiro, is the fact that Orlando Pirates didn't bring one of the 'Plumbers' from overseas to coach the club, but a quality coach.

"I think they’ve bridged some gaps there on foreign coaches coming into the country as well, it’s not just adding numbers, but adding quality to the league."

Brakkies, as Truter is also known, deserves sweet praises of his own.

He managed to lift Sekhukhune from the relegation zone into a 7th place finish in the DStv Premiership.

With Pirates having finished second, therefore qualifying for the CAFCL, It means Sekhukhune, by virtue of reaching the Nedbank Cup final, have qualified for the CAF Confederations Cup. 

Pirates players hooked on winning trophies.

If Miguel Timm's words are anything to go by, Sekhukhune United should brace themselves for war when they clash with Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday 27 May at Loftus Versfeld.

According to Timm, Orlando Pirates are addicted to winning trophies after winning the MTN8 title earlier this season.

And when someone is addicted to something, they do whatever it takes to get their fix.

"We are going into this game with a lot of hunger and desire to get that feeling we got when we won the MTN8. I must say it is a very addictive one (winning a cup) and it has become a virus in the locker-room in a good way. We are looking forward to the weekend and hopefully we can lift the trophy," said Timm as quoted by The Citizen. https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/timm-says-lifting-trophies-has-become-an-addiction-at-pirates/

Pirates have had a fairly successful season, having also managed to finish in second position in the DStv Premiership, which gave them passage to next season's CAF Champions League.

Despite the MTN8 trophy, and possibly the Nedbank Cup, Timm says their biggest target was the league title.

It is now history that they fell 16 points from even getting a touch of it, with Mamelodi Sundowns winning it with seven matches to spare.

Nonetheless, Timm believes Pirates have learned enough this season to stage a better assault on the title in the next campaign.

"As much as we are happy with qualifying for the Champions League, one of the targets we set ourselves as a group was to compete for the title. The positives we will take is the solid foundation we have set for the future. We will give it a go next season. I am not saying we are not happy with reaching two Cup finals, but we have the capacity to do more."

Riveiro says Pirates is in love with cup games, and of course, winning them.

               Image: Facebook

Orlando Pirates will face their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

Their head coach, Jose Riveiro admits that his side likes to play cup games.

Pirates won the MTN8 title earlier in the season when they beat AmaZulu 1-0 in Durban, and they will have their sights set on slaying beating chiefs to advance to the finals of the Nedbank Cup, in what would be the sweetest revenge for Bucs after Amakhosi got the better of them twice this season in the Dstv Premiership.

Winning a double would be a major achievement for the Spaniard who has managed to turn things around at Pirates, by getting them to play some beautiful football without compromising their defensive organization.

"We have good memories, bad as well. I think we struggled here with Sekhukhune [United], if I’m not mistaken," said Riveiro as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/riveiro-targets-second-cup-final-with-pirates/

"But it’s a good place for us, important, special. We like to play the cups, these knockout games we really do and like you said last time we managed to play a good final, to get a title and that’s the intention in every competition.

"We are representing Orlando Pirates so it goes without saying that it’s a must to fight to be there. And Being there is a different story it depends on a lot of factors but the team is really focused and doing everything in order to make our fans happy.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/mangethe-samkelo-gave-us-that-edge-zwane.html?m=1

"Now we really have the possibility to see ourselves in another final."

The urgent matter for Pirates though, is the Caf Champions League spot, and they will continue gunning for it when they host Cape Town City on Saturday 22 April at Orlando Stadium.

Kick-off is at 15:00.

Mangethe [Samkelo] gave us that edge - Zwane.

Kaizer Chiefs edged a step closer to their first trophy in eight years when they defeated Royal AM 2-1 in a Nedbank Cup quarter-final match played at Chartsworth Stadium, Durban, on Sunday evening.

A Thabo Matlaba own goal in the 36th minute, and a Yusuf Maart penalty in the 102nd minute of extra-time ensured Chiefs' passage into the semi-finals, where they will meet Orlando Pirates.

21-year-old Midfielder, Samkelo Zwane's contribution in the middle of the park, was one of the main factors that led to Amakhosi's victory, according to head coach, Arthur Zwane.

"We started brightly and controlled the space. Mangethe (Samkelo Zwane) gave us that edge in terms of dictating terms in the middle," said Zwane as quoted by The Citizen. https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/zwane-explains-how-chiefs-forced-royal-am-errors-in-cup-tie/

"They are a ball playing team and once you give them space they can hurt you at any given time.

"So, we had to first control and also utilise the space that is created when their fullbacks go forward. 

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/fan-views-pirates-knows-very-well-they.html?m=1

"For the better part of the game we managed to do that. We controlled them but obvious lapses in concentration in dead ball situations made us give them hope. 

"But that was a wake up call and we looked like we could get a goal at any given time."

Having disposed of Royal AM, Chiefs will turn their attention to the business of hunting for the Caf Champions league spot in the coming weekend.

They travel to Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday 22 April to face Sekhukhune United at 15:00.

Fan Views: Pirates knows very well they are our wives.

        Image source: Facebook

The Nedbank Cup semi-final draw did the Lord's work, with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates pitted against each other to serve the nation with another edition of the Soweto Derby.

This one has all the ingredients to make it yummy, with it being a cup encounter, Chiefs searching for their first trophy in eight long years, and Pirates raring to get their revenge after losing twice to Amakhosi this season.

As expected, there has been some interesting reactions on social media from the fans on the draw!

So Orlando Pirates have become Kaizer Chiefs submissive wives lately?

One fan, @Evan Kethabo says do!

"Orlando Pirates know very well they are our Wives we'll chow them till forever....I'm happy with the draw,"

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/its-not-going-to-be-easy-zwane-on.html?m=1

From a wife to a daily bread! Is that what Pirates have become to Chiefs? Like, really?

No wonder @Mthobisi Lindi Duma has thanked the man above for giving them Bucs.

"Thanks God for giving us our daily bread."

While Amakhosi fans are excited to have drawn against Pirates, a Bhakaniya fans thinks they should be worried.

"Great! it is about time Chiefs luck against Pirates come to an end," said Zwakele Mbhamali

But wait! A Chiefs fan is counting on two Pirates players to do the Lord's work for them!

"Ndah to do what he does best and Maela to give us a Penalty, What a smooth road to the final," said Saletlatlana Semoneye Mosime.

And wait for this! Amakhosi won't even need a penalty to beat Pirates!

"We don't need penalty to beat Pirates," said Malie Gangatha

One Pirates fan is truly worried about playing Chiefs! But where is the belief? Come on Bhakaniya!

"Chiefs might eliminate us, no  matter how well organized we are, they just have a way of beating us," said Abel Ab-Flow

Last but not least, the Nedbank Cup will not end well for Chiefs, according to one Pirates fan. Apparently, it will end in tears!

"Mmm this won't end well for Chiefs, it will end in tears.
You can mark my words, Let's go Bhakajuju!!" Rhee Umshokobezie Zuma

It’s not going to be easy - Zwane on the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Pirates.

    Image credit: iDiski Times Twitter. 

Kaizer Chiefs have beaten Orlando Pirates two times this season, and the Nedbank Cup semi-finals draw has pitted the two Soweto giants against each other.

While Amakhosi will be looking for a treble of Soweto Derby wins, Amabhakaniya want their revenge and a second trophy of the season.

Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane, says his side will have to be on top condition.

"It’s not going to be easy as everyone thinks," said Zwane as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/zwane-eyes-another-derby-win-over-pirates-in-nedbank-cup-semis/

"Because cup games are totally different to league matches. But as I said, we will treat every game with respect and unfortunately this one is not like any other games – there is a lot at stake.

"If we want to beat Pirates, we are expected to be on top of them and make sure that we win the game."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/chiefs-to-end-trophy-drought-with.html?m=1

The Soweto Derby has failed to live up to expectations when it comes to the football the two sides dish out on the field.

But Zwane believes that with both Pirates and Chiefs on an upward trajectory lately, the Nedbank Cup semi-final will be a good game to watch.

"I think the excitement comes from knowing that we are playing Pirates and they are also doing well, that will be good for South African football as well, because we are also finding our way up.

"I think it is going to be one game that is very good to watch."

Chiefs to end trophy drought with the Nedbank Cup?

  Image credit: Kaizer Chiefs Twitter. 

Kaizer Chiefs were drawn against Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after beating Royal AM 2-1 at Chartsworth Stadium, Durban, on Sunday evening.

Chiefs have not won a trophy in eight years, and the Nedbank Cup gives them an opportunity to break the curse.

But first, they have to deal with cup double hunting Pirates, who disposed of a spirited Dondol Stars in the quarter-finals on Saturday afternoon.

Pirates are looking for their second trophy this season after wrestling the MTN8 title away from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Concerning being drawn against their arch rivals, Amakhosi will take heart in the fact that they have beaten Amabhakaniya twice this season in the Dstv Premiership.

This means Chiefs will be the more confident of the two sides going into the third serving of the Soweto Derby this season.

Added to Chiefs' motivational factors will be their hunger for silverware.

But Pirates, might come out firing on all cylinders in the semi-finals.

Losing Soweto Derby three times in a row will be a disaster that Jose Riveiro will want to avoid.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/chiefs-beat-royal-am-to-reach-nedbank.html?m=1

It is a well known fact that a coach who doesn't win South Africa's biggest fixture is not taken seriously by their club's faithful. Bragging rights mean a lot when it comes to Chiefs and Pirates fans, and Amabhakaniya would love nothing more than seeing Riveiro getting one over his counterpart, Arthur Zwane, and actually going all the way to winning South Africa's FA Cup, completing a dream cup double for Pirates in his first season.

In another Nedbank Cup semi-final, Stellenbosch FC will take on Sekhukhune United.

Dates and venues to be confirmed. 

Chiefs beat Royal AM to reach the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.

Kaizer Chiefs came out victorious from Chartsworth Stadium on Sunday evening when they came from behind to beat Royal AM 2-1 to reach the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.

After falling behind from a well taken header by Lesego Manganyi from a corner kick in the 28th minute, Chiefs were handed a life line in the 36th minute when Thabo Matlaba directed an Edmilson Dove free-kick into his own net.

In the 102nd minute in extra-time, Yusuf Maart converted from the penalty spot to put Chiefs ahead after Mduduzi Shabalala was hacked down inside the area by Royal AM goalkeeper, Xolani Ngcobo.

It might have taken extra-time to separate the two sides, but Chiefs were dominant from the beginning, raiding the Royal AM defence with wave after wave of attacks.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/if-we-were-playing-basketball-we.html?m=1

Amakhosi averaged 54% ball possession, and were by far the better side on the field, with the young Samkelo Zwane and Maart pulling the strings in midfield, while Keagan Dolly and Ashley Du Preez were a constant threat to the Royal AM defence.

It was in the final third where they were found wanting, managing 10 shots on goal with just two on target.

As for Royal AM, they just didn't come to the party on Sunday evening, despite an electrifying atmosphere in their home ground that invited them to play their best football.

Thwihli Thwahla gave a flat performance that didn't deserve to take them to extra-time.

Nonetheless, they did manage 15 goal attempts, most harmless to Brandon Peterson, and three shots on target.

Chiefs will now face Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup, with the venue and date to be confirmed.

But before that, they have a date with Sekhukhune United on Sunday 23 April, 15:00, at Peter Mokaba Stadium in a league match. 

If we were playing basketball, we probably could have won with a 30 or 40 points - Riveiro.

According to Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, his side did enough to beat Dondol Stars in regulation time, but they were just unlucky with their final touch.

Amabhakaniya had to go through the agony of a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw with the third tiers after extra-time.

 "I was quite calm on the bench. I was quite sure that we would make it before the penalties, but it’s a football game, and anything can happen," Riveiro told the media as quoted by Goal.com
https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/did-orlando-pirates-underrate-dondol-stars-in-nedbank-cup-riveiro-was-quite-sure-bucs-will-not-go-to-penalties/bltac488e6120e47e18

"If we were playing basketball, we probably could have won with a 30 or 40 points advantage. But this is football, and it’s very complex. It’s easy and complex at the same time, but these things can happen."

"[Penalties] are not what we planned. But at the same time, it was not a surprise. It’s a cup game, and these games are special, that’s why we love the cups everywhere around the world, and South Africa is not an exception."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/dondol-must-be-proud-while-pirates-must.html?m=1

Riveiro admitted they faced a good team in Dondol, taking a veiled dig at Supersport United and AmaZulu, by mentioning how there are couple of teams in the PSL who know Dondol very well.

"We faced a good team, there are a couple of PSL teams who can tell you about them, and we managed to do enough to avoid the penalties, to be honest, but we were very unlucky in the last touch."

Mokwena gives an insight into Sundowns declining performances.

After his side's shock 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in Saturday's Nedbank Cup quarter-final, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Rulani Mokwena has revealed some the factors such as that have led to the team's unconvincing performances lately.

Sundowns have won just one out of their last six matches, drawing four and losing one across all competitions.

According to Mokwena, fixture congestion doesn't give Sundowns enough time to plan for the opposition, while fatigue is also becoming a factor.

While it might be argued that Sundowns have the luxury of a big, quality squad, which means they can rotate their players to the keep their squad fresh, team synergy becomes compromised, leading to below par performances.

"As I sit here as their coach I'm more proud of them than I've ever have been because despite the pressures, despite how difficult it is, we play against every opponent that has time to prepare for us and we only have one or two days to prepare for an opponent physically," Mokwena said after the game as quoted by Times Live.
https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-04-16-our-opponents-play-a-game-a-week-mokwena-laments-after-sundowns-cup-shock/

"Our opponents only play one game a week. Of course the element of freshness comes in and you could see it in certain moments today. Tactically they have time to review and come with plans and solutions.

"You could see it with all the opposition we've played so far. But it's not for us to find excuses. There are  no excuses. We have to win football matches and when we don't win we have to see why we didn't win.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/rulani-must-stop-doing-certain-players.html?m=1

"In moments like these you'd think the opponent is better, and like in any other competitive sports, if the opponent is better you take the defeat and you move on."

Sundowns will next play against CR Belouizdad in a Caf Champions League quarter-final on Saturday 22 April at the Stade Nelson Mandela.

Dondol must be proud, while Pirates must balance their game - Tso Vilakazi.

Orlando Pirates advanced to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after beating a determined Dondol Stars 5-4 on penalties at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder, and iDiski TV analyst, Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi was left impressed by the ABC Motsepe League side.

"These boys should walk with their heads up, and be proud of themselves, it is not often that you see a team from the third division playing a PSL team and dominate the game in all departments," Tso told iDiski TV. 

"But like I always say, you can't go to Woolworths or Pick n Pay to buy experience, it is earned.

"Those boys only lacked experience, the football they displayed, the chances they created, it was just lack of experience in terms of choosing the right passes and the right moments to make those passes, that's all. Well done to them for taking Pirates to penalties."

While Vilakazi was impressed with Dondol, he feels his former club, Pirates lack balance in their game.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/rulani-must-stop-doing-certain-players.html?m=1

"Pirates need to balance their game, you can't always use width to win games because teams watch your games and catch up with your tactics.

"They make life easy for their opponents, who just have to make sure they stop their wing play, that's what Dondol did. They made sure they covered the width and played through the middle, that's why they looked good.

"Pirates don't have midfielders who can influence the game through the middle, that's why they struggle, they need to balance their play."

Pirates next match will be against Cape Town City on Saturday 22 April at Orlando Stadium.

Kick-off will be at 15:00.

Rulani must stop doing certain players favours - Khanye.

Mamelodi Sundowns lost 2-1 to Stellenbosch FC in a Nedbank Cup quarter-final match played at Athlone Stadium on Saturday evening.

On the back of Sundowns loss, Diski TV analyst, Junior Khanye, believes it is time for coach Rulani Mokwena to stop doing certain players favours.

Khanye believes Peter Shalulile was not supposed to be kept on the pitch for so many minutes when he was actually not contributing anything.

"I don't understand why Shalulile was kept for many minutes, whilst the guy did nothing, keep him only if he gives you something," Khanye told iDiski TV.

"Yes uMshishi (Themba Zwane) was quiet, and Sirino as well, they were substituted, but why keep Shalulile?

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/after-stellenbosch-loss-how-deep-can.html?m=1

"Because even in the Swallows game the guy missed so many chances. I know that he's been scoring for them, but why keep him in the game until the 94th minute? That was a blunder from the coach."

Khanye believes there are players who just know that they will make the starting 11 at Sundowns, judging by their body language.

"And one thing that Rulani needs to learn, because he is going to face this situation again (teams playing like Stellenbosch) in the Dstv Premiership next season, and the Caf Champions league, they got quality players (Sundowns), make no mistake, but the mistake that the coach makes is that he sometimes do certain players favours.

"There are players, if you judge by their body language, who know they are always going to play. Look at Mvala's blunder, but truly speaking, I am sure he is going to play in the next game.

"According to me, De Reuck (Rushine) is supposed to play there. Jali (Andile) as well, I heard in the media Mike Makaab saying he is not going back there, but next season, going into the champions league, they will need Jali in that position (number six).

"Rulani needs to go back to the drawing board. There are certain players at Sundowns who must earn their positions in the starting 11. He mustn't go with history, he must select players according to their current performances," he concluded.

Sundowns will now turn their attention to the Caf Champions League quarter-finals, with CR Belouizdad awaiting them on Saturday 22 April at Stade Nelson Mandela, Algeria.

Pirates official infuriates Dondol.

      Image: Lorenz Kohler Twitter

Orlando Pirates advanced to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after a hard fought 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Dondol Stars.

But the much anticipated clash did not end without some controversy.

A Pirates official allegedly put Dondol keeper, Sphamandla Gumede's life at risk by taking away his water bottle.

According to Dondol co-coach, Khuliso Rashamuse, their keeper asthma, so he keeps water next to him at all times next to his goal posts, since he can't have his pump on the field.

"Spha had a water bottle by the goalposts and it was just pure, pure water. So the cadre there from Orlando Pirates I don’t know his name but that was very disgusting, you don’t do that," said Rashamuse after the match as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/that-was-disgusting-rashamuse/

"Because you know this is a game of tempers we end up losing our tempers and respect. Spha has asthma. So if he doesn’t have the pump he needs the water that’s why I was angry.

"He went there and took the water bottle, now the game is on and Spha is focusing on the guy that was doing that. That was a total zero for me."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/if-anything-pirates-should-win-nedbank.html?m=1

In football you can never be too sure, probably the poor Pirates official might have thought there was some muthi on that water bottle, and decided to take one for the team.

If anything, Pirates should win the Nedbank Cup.

Orlando Pirates survived scary moments to defeat a stubborn Dondol Stars 5-4 on penalties on Saturday afternoon at Peter Mokaba stadium.

The match had ended 1-1 after extra time, with Thembinkosi Lorch netting for Pirates in the 55th minute, before Tebogo Makungo quickly replied for Dondol in the 57th minute.

At the end of the match, statistics spoke of a dominant Pirates that should have won the game in regulation time, with 66% ball possession, 23 attempts on goal, and eight on target.

Compare that to Dondol's 44% possession, seven goal attempts, and just three on target.

It was a mismatch right? Wrong!

Dondol were determined to claim another Dstv Premiership scalp, having disposed of SuperSport United, and AmaZulu FC in the round of 32 and the last 16 respectively.

With the 'prize' of winning against Pirates much higher, they were not just about to roll out the red carpet for Bucs, stand on the side, and clap for them on their way to victory.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/after-stellenbosch-loss-how-deep-can.html?m=1

Dondol fought like a team possessed, and Pirates should thank their guardian ghosts for avoiding an embarrassing defeat.

Ironic this might sound, but Pirates slayed a giant in Dondol Stars.

It must be said, Pirates looks like a team ordained to win the Nedbank Cup.

From getting what may be called the luck of the draw, which is not so lucky if you ask me, and actually making it to the semi-finals without playing a Dstv Premiership side, now, what is the worst that could go wrong?

Pirates have survived the worst, which is the threat of the unknown when it comes to second and third tier teams.

Whoever is left in the semi-finals will be an open book to Bucs.

On that note, with the football Gods having played their cards in Pirates favor from the beginning of the tournament, it will be a disappointment to them if the team fails to lift their second trophy of the season with the Nedbank Cup. 

After Stellenbosch loss, how deep can Sundowns dig for the CAFCL?

        Image: iDiski Times Twitter

Mamelodi Sundowns succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Stellembosch FC in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match played at Athlone Stadium on Saturday evening.

The loss came on the back of three consecutive draws in the Dstv Premiership, with Sundowns being held by Cape Town City, Swallows FC, and Lamontville Golden Arrows.

If the three draws in a row were a sign of some kind of a decline in standards when it comes to Sundowns performances, the Nedbank Cup was nothing but full confirmation.

Having not lost a game since Rulani Mokwena took over as a coach, and with them not being invincible, a loss was always going to come, it was just a matter of when.

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To be fair to Sundowns players, they have outdone themselves, winning going on a long unbeaten run, and winning the league with seven games to spare.

Added to that is the high pressure of playing Caf Champions League football, which they have handled well so far.

But they are humans too, with all the pressure and expectations, they are bound to crack.

The game of football demands a lot physically, but it is the mental aspect that is vital, looking at Sundowns' latest results, one can tell that their success is starting to take its toll on the players.

Unfortunately, it comes at a time when Sundowns needs their players to be on their top condition when it comes to the mental part of their game.

The Caf Champions League, which is one trophy they are truly after, comes with huge mental demands on players.

The big question is, do Sundowns players still have enough mental fuel in their tanks to go the distance in the CAFCL?

Their latest results in domestic competitions scream a big NO as an answer to the above question.

Sundowns look more like a team that is just going through the motions at the moment, they are doing what they know how to do, but without real hunger.

On the other hand, the loss to Stellenbosch could be just the kind of shock therapy they needed to wake up from their slumber.

Maybe, just maybe, they will remember that the season is not over yet, that the biggest catch they are hunting for, the CAFCL title that is, is still on the loose.

The results from Saturday 22 April in Algeria against CR Belouizdad, will give us all the answers. 

'Today we didn't deserve to win' - Mokwena.

Having suffered his first defeat as Mamelodi Sundowns coach courtesy of a determined Stellenbosch FC in a Nedbank Cup encounter played at Athlone Stadium, Rulani Mokwena admitted his side didn't deserve to win the game.

If there is one thing, it seems, that Stellenbosch enjoys doing, it is ending winning streaks where Sundowns are concerned.

Stellies also broke Sundowns' 15 match winning streak when they held them to a 1-1 draw during the middle stages of the season.

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Nonetheless, Mokwena congratulated Stellenbosch, saying they were a better side and deserving winners.

"Let’s just congratulate Stellenbosch and wish them all the best for the rest of the cup, today we didn’t deserve to win and that’s competitive sport, if someone is better than you, you put your hands up, congratulate them and wish them all the best," he told SuperSport TV as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/mokwena-reacts-to-nedbank-cup-exit/

"They were not much better, but they were better."

"We lost a lot of the duels today, from the first minute but okay we go [on], as I said congratulations to Stellenbosch and wish them all the best."

Sundowns will have no time to lick their wounds, with CR Belouizdad awaiting them in a Caf Champions League quarterfinal match in Algeria next Saturday. 

The warning signs were there for Sundowns as they lose to Stellies.

    Image: Lorenz Kohler Facebook

Stellenbosch FC dumped Mamelodi Sundowns out of the Nedbank Cup with a hard fought 2-1 win at Athlone Stadium, Cape Town.

Iqraam Rayners was Stellenbosch's hero as he bagged a brace, scoring in the 48th minute to cancel Sundowns' lead, before putting his side ahead in the 57th minute.

Starved of possession, with Sundowns controlling 78% of the ball, Steve Barker's boys remained resolute at the back, limiting the Brazilians to just four shots on target, despite having fashioned 20 attempts on goal.

In attack, Stellies thrived on efficiency, managing four shots on target, two of them converted to goals, from seven attempts.

Going into this game, concerning signs were there for Sundowns.

They had drawn three league games in a row, despite dominant performances, Sundowns didn't look convincing in the final third, uncharacteristically so for a team that is ruthless in front of goal.

Having lost to Stellenbosch, means Downs have won just one out of their last six matches, a 2-1 victory over Coton Sport in the Caf Champions League.

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With hopes of a treble gone, Sundowns will now turn their attention to the Caf Champions League.

They travel to Algeria to face CR Belouizdad on Saturday 22 April at Stade Nelson Mandela.

Coach Rulani Mokwena will hope his side recover in time from their Stellenbosch loss, rediscover their scoring boots, and be ready for what is expected to be a tough encounter. 

Maduka is not worried about red cards and penalties.

Royal AM will host Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match at Chartsworth Stadium.

With this particular encounter being a cup game between two sides who usually have a good go at each other, a high intensity contest will be expected.

High intensity matches often come with players making wrong decisions under pressure, leading to unnecessary red cards and penalties given away.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/maduka-expects-war-against-chiefs.html?m=1

While the Chiefs name has become synonymous with red cards and penalties, John Maduka, Royal AM's head coach, believes Amakhosi cannot be blamed for that.

Instead, he has emphasized that his players will have to play with caution to avoid giving away penalties, which he says, are nothing but just another part of the game.

"You can't blame Chiefs for playing with an advantage [of an extra nan] because the decisions [red cards] are not made by them," Maduka told KickOff. https://www.snl24.com/kickoff/sanews/premiership/kaizer-chiefs/maduka-defends-chiefs-over-red-cards-debate-20230412

"They [Chiefs] just go out there and play the game, what's for us is to focus because that happens in football, whereby there can be red cards and penalties."

Chiefs have been awarded 10 penalties in the league this season, with seven opposition players players sent off against them.

An infuriated Stellenbosch FC coach, Steve Barker, when as far as saying maybe Chiefs should practice playing against 10 man considering how often they have to face that situation in matches.

Barker was speaking after his Stellies side were reduced to 10 man for the second time against Amakhosi this season, with a total of four penalties awarded against them.

Royal AM vs Kaizer Chiefs will Kickoff at 18:00.