Bees gun for last 16 place in clash with Mariveni

E C Bees are set to play their third Nedbank Cup match in a row when they clash against Mariveni at the Old Peter Makaba Stadium in Polokwane tomorrow.

Last season’s third-tier league winners made their first appearance in 2016 and lost 2-1 to fellow third-tier side Magesi FC in the Last 32.

Last season the “Crazy Gang” went toe to toe with finalists Orlando Pirates, but eventually lost 3-1 in a toughly contested match.

This season Bees coach Chippa Njedu has gone on record saying he was confident his young guns would reach the last 16.

Bees have invested in young players such as striker Tobogo Moeti, who was part of the U21 provincial side that went to the SAB League National Playoffs at the Nike Centre in Soweto.

They also will be looking to their maestro, Sipho-Sihle Mtule, who’s also played in the PSL with Chippa United, and also had a season with the National First Division side Royal Eagles.

Meanwhile, Mariveni will be making their second appearance in a row after having put in a good performance before losing 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Their 2-0 loss away to the Brazilians last season showed their quality, as only second half goals from Leonardo Castro and Anthony Laffor gave the Chloorkop side victory.

The Polokwane outfit, mentored by Tapfumaneyi Dodo, would achieve a milestone if they can juggle their way past Bees, as they would become the first fourth-tier side to make it into the Nedbank Cup last 16 teams.