Staff Reporter.
The ‘Big Three’ have been kept apart in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals but each face tricky ties with Orlando Pirates staring down giant-killers Dondol Stars in a fascinating clash for the neutrals.
Stars have already seen off SuperSport United and AmaZulu in this year’s competition and the ABC Motsepe League side will be relishing pitting themselves against the Soweto giants.
They will have nothing to lose, while for Pirates it will bring back painful memories of their humiliation in 2013 when they lost 4-1 to third-tier Maluti FET College in the Last 32. That is the only time they have gone out to lower league opposition.
Kaizer Chiefs must travel to their bogey side Royal AM, who have won all three previous meetings with the AmaKhosi. The last two of those were in Durban, which the home side won 1-0 to go with their historic 4-1 success at Chiefs last season.
Chiefs have already played in KwaZulu-Natal in this year’s competition, needing extra-time to see off Maritzburg United.
Royal AM reached the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup last season, while Chiefs have only been to seven Nedbank Cup quarterfinals since 2008, winning on four occasions.
Mamelodi Sundowns make a quick return to the Cape Winelands having been held to a 1-1 draw there a little over a week ago which ended their 15-game winning run in the DStv Premiership.
Stellies are among the form teams in the league with five wins in their last six games, the odd one out that draw with The Brazilians.
They have never been to this stage of the competition before and their exciting young side will relish a major scalp, and playing in front of their vibrant crowd in Stellenbosch.
Sundowns are n an epic 16-game unbeaten run in the Nedbank Cup, last losing outright to Chippa United in the Last 32 four years ago.
Speaking of Chippa, they were finalists in 2021 but lost to TTM (now Marumo Gallants) and have also been to the semis in three of the last six years.
Their league form may be patchy but they are always a challenge in the Nedbank Cup and they will fancy their chances at home to Sekhukhune United, who are appearing at this stage for the first time.
These two sides are actually due to meet in the league this coming weekend. They have met on three previous occasions with Chippa winning two (both 1-0) and the other a goalless draw.
The ties are scheduled to be played the weekend of April 15-16.
2023 NEDBANK CUP QUARTERFINAL DRAW
Dondol Stars v Orlando Pirates
Stellenbosch FC v Mamelodi Sundowns
Royal AM v Kaizer Chiefs
Chippa United v Sekhukhune United.