Chiefs v Downs: The dream final
BENNI MCCARTHY is not, in any way, disrespecting the merits and the chances of Maritzburg United and Free State Stars – but, as a Capetonian, he has no choice: he would love the Nedbank Cup final to be contested between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
The reason for the Cape Town City coach’s choice is simple: the final is being played at Cape Town Stadium on 19 May and a clash featuring two of the giants of the South African game will ensure a sell-out crowd. The semi-finals of the competition are scheduled for this weekend, with Chiefs tackling Stars on Saturday, while Maritzburg and Sundowns do battle the following day.
“For the City of Cape Town, Chiefs v Sundowns would be the dream final,” said McCarthy. “It will pull the crowd as both clubs have a good following in the PSL – and even the neutral fan will be interested in a match of this stature.”
In analysing the two semis, the former Bafana Bafana striker believes if Chiefs and Sundowns play to potential, then they should win; if they don’t, and they are below-par on the day, then they could be in trouble.
“The first one between Chiefs and Stars should be a nice encounter,” said McCarthy. “You cannot under-estimate Stars, they are a team that’s hard to beat. They also have a decent coach, who is getting the best out of the players. But if Chiefs turn up, they should have too much for Stars. Chiefs are also at home and, if their fans rally and get behind the team, that will be a plus as well.
“Also remember that this is the one chance that Chiefs have to salvage their season. Steve (Komphela, coach) has been in charge for three years and this is an opportunity for him to get a trophy.”
But, as McCarthy added, if he was forced to choose between which of the two semifinals to watch, he would go with the second tie between Maritzburg and Sundowns.
“I think this one has the makings of a really good game,” said the City coach. “Maritzburg are at home and their ground is not an easy place to go. They are a solid team and they can catch you on the counter.
“But, in saying that, Sundowns have the quality, they have the class, and they’ve been in such situations many times before. If they play as we know they can, then they should be able to deal with Maritzburg, and make it to the final.”