Ke Yona! Can Chiefs find a good enough run to put an end to their trophy drought? Do Pirates have what it takes to win a second trophy this season? Or will Sundowns defend the title?
Friday 10 February
CT Spurs 11/10 | Draw 21/10 | Baroka 23/10 (15:00)
Last year’s quarter-finalists Baroka matchup with newcomers CT Spurs on Friday afternoon. The Cape based side are riding high in the National First Division under Coach Shaun Bartlett. Defence has undoubtedly been their strong point, conceding just three goals in their last 10 games with two losses and one draw. Back the home side.
Maritzburg United 9/2 | Draw 24/10 | Kaizer Chiefs 6/10 (19:30)
Both Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs have not fared the greatest in the DStv Premiership. While the betting suggests that AmaKhosi are outright favourites, the Soweto Giants’ inconsistency is clear for all to see. With the famous Friday night at Harry Gwala Stadium getting the better of most, the draw is a likely result.
Saturday 11 February
Blackcross 33/10 | Draw 23/10 | Venda Football Academy 15/20 (15:00)
In the last campaign of the round of 32, Venda Football Academy registered a 3-1 victory, and will hope to replicate a great start again. The Free State ABC Motsepe League side, Blackcross, was the first to book their spot in the round of 32, but it will be the last we see of them. Put your money on the away team.
Golden Arrows 1/6 | Draw 47/10 | Pretoria Callies 14/1 (15:00)
Both Golden Arrows and Pretoria Callies are struggling in their respective leagues, but the DStv Premiership side playing on home soil will prove exceedingly favourable. The home win is tipped.
Stellenbosch 14/10 | Draw 2/1 | Swallows 18/10 (15:00)
One of the toughest fixtures to call is Stellenbosch welcoming Swallows to the Danie Craven Stadium. Stellies have just gone through the loss of a young and budding talent in Oshwin Andries and the match will undoubtedly be dedicated to him. I can’t see Swallows outdoing the meaning that will drive the Western Cape side to victory.
All Stars 8/1 | Draw 3/1 | Orlando Pirates 7/20 (20:00)
The MTN8 champions are among the betting favourites to lift the cup, and surely two trophies in a season would mean success for Jose Rivieiro’s first stint at Orlando Pirates? At 7/20, I cannot pass up the odds, but getting Kermit Erasmus as an anytime goal scorer could prove more valuable.
Sunday 12 February
AmaZulu 1/7 | Draw 11/2 | Tornado 12/1 (15:00)
AmaZulu’s Lehlohonolo Majoro is among those candidates shooting their shot at becoming the Nedbank Cup’s top all-time goal scorer. The 36-year-old forward is just two goals away from Hlompho Kekana’s record (12), and will surely get the chance to tackle the task against tournament hopefuls Tornado. AmaZulu win this comfortably.
Mkhambathi 5/1 | Draw 5/2 | Casric Stars 5/10 (15:00)
Casric Stars comfortably displaced of fellow NFD side Uthongathi 3-0 on enemy territory. Taking a trip to the Pietermaritzburg region to challenge ABC Motsepe side Mkhambathi will not be a difficult task. Back the away side in all multiples.
TS Galaxy 1/10 | Draw 13/2 | Amavarara 14/1 (15:00)
Who would have thought we’d ever see TS Galaxy as 1/10 betting favourites? Since the sale and relocation of Amavarara in June last year, the side has grown from strength to strength, however, summitting this mountain will be a step to great. The home side is as much of a guarantee in the betting world as possible.
CT City 15/10 | Draw 2/1 | Royal AM 17/10 (18:00)
Closing out the Sunday fixtures, CT City must face Royal AM, again. The 2022 edition of the Cup saw Royal AM emerge 2-1 the victors at Chatsworth Stadium, but the most recent league meeting in the windy city ended in favour of the Citizens thanks to a 90-minute strike from Thabiso Nodada. With John Maduka back behind the wheel, and seemingly unsteadiness from Eric Tinkler, a draw is where my money is placed.
Tuesday 13 February
Polokwane City 2/1 | Draw 2/1 | Chippa United 13/10 (19:30)
Closing out the Nedbank Cup round of 32 is an interesting clash in the City of Stars. A 1-0 win over Black Leopards, courtesy of Simon Ramabu has seen the forward net in three of his last five fixtures since. Chippa United can not easily be written off despite their recent stoppage time loss and will still come into this game with a “bigger team mentality”. The draw is a play.
QUAD @ 6/1
CT Spurs Win 11/10
Venda FA Win 15/20
Pirates Win 7/20
Casric Stars Win 5/10
