Relatives, Swallows clash a titanic battle

It will be a tough weekend for the SAB League teams around the province as they kick off their Nedbank Cup campaign.

The match that stands out is the one between last season’s champions Relatives, taking on Mighty Swallows at Orlando Stadium at NU 2 Mdantsane.

Relatives chairman Siphatho Handi is relishing this year’s cup edition due to the tight race among the clubs in the league.

Last season there was a two horse race between Relatives and Bhisho Stars, which was eventually promoted to the ABC Motsepe league.

‘‘This season’s edition will be more competitive, because even the teams from the bottom of the log will want to make an impact,” Handi said.

“As it is the tradition cup games are tricky and are renowned for producing upsets.”

One of the teams to look out of is Tede United Brothers.

Handi has assured that his team will have a full compliment of players to select from.

‘‘We are sure that the majority of the players will be available, and even those who sometimes are committed in their workplace have confirmed that they will be part of the team throughout these fixtures,” he said.

League strugglers, Willows, will be hoping to have a good cup run starting with a clash against West Park.

Willows’ coach Yonela Vakele said that diverting attention to the cup will help afford them time to sharpen their claws for a full assault in the league.

“Players become motivated when preparing for cup games and that will help to turn out league run around,” he said.

Vakele is lamenting financial constrains besetting the club forcing some players staying far from NU 3 to train with other teams.

‘‘Willows lost a big number of players from the previous season and the current squad comprises youth meaning we lack in the experience area,” he said.

Fixtures: Tede United Brothers v Xhosa Royals (Victoria Grounds), Fast Rovers v Barcelona (Victoria Grounds), West Park v Willows (Tsholomnqa Grounds), Rising Stars v Young Chiefs (Tsholomnqa Grounds), Relatives v Mighty Swallows (Orlando Stadium), City Lads v Beacon bay Celtics (Orlando Stadium), Peace Makers v Mdantsane Mighty Bucks (Amalinda Stadium), Zebra United v African Bombers (Amalinda stadium)

Players become motivated when preparing for cup games

Yonela Vakele