We say SuperSport, Arrows
It’s the 2017 Nedbank Cup semifinals this weekend, with SuperSport taking on Chippa United in Mdantsane and Golden Arrows hosting Orlando Pirates in KwaMashu. Phakaaathi writers Thembinkosi Sekgaphane and Jonty Mark cast their eyes over the two semifinals
Chippa United v SuperSport United Saturday, Sisa Dukashe Stadium, kick-off 3pm Stuart Baxter and SuperSport United are attempting to win a second successive Nedbank Cup, which would be the perfect send-off for Baxter as he leaves at the end of the season to take over the coaching reins at Bafana Bafana. And they will be heavy favourites to beat Chippa United in the last four, with the Chilli Boys almost certain to still be distracted by the daunting prospect of relegation from the Absa Premiership. Dan Malesela looks likely to be on the bench for this game, having been recalled by club chairman Siviwe Mpengesi. Mpengesi previously placed Malesela on special leave, but appears to have changed his mind with results still not going the way of his side. Chippa had an excellent 2015/16 season, finishing sixth in the league and didn’t start this season badly either, giving Mamelodi Sundowns a run for their money in the MTN8 semifinals. But it has been all downhill from there, and it seems unlikely Chippa will be able to stop the rot against a SuperSport side packed with quality players. Ironically, this match comes just three days after a league match, between the two sides in Port Elizabeth, where SuperSport could also have a serious say in sending Chippa back down to the NFD.
Key Player: Thuso Phala (above).
Prediction: SuperSport United 3 Chippa United 0 Golden Arrows v Orlando Pirates Sunday, Princess Magogo Stadium, kick-off 3pm Orlando Pirates are in desperate need of the Nedbank Cup to spare their blushes in what has thus far been a season to forget for the mighty Buccaneers. Both Muhsin Ertugral and Augusto Palacios failed to effectively deal with Pirates’ defensive woes in their time as head coach this campaign. Pirates have conceded an embarrassingly large number of goals this season and often failed to protect their lead when scoring first. Kjell Jonevret took over in February and has somewhat steadied the ship – the Buccaneers have only lost three of 14 league games, including defeats by title- chasing Wits and Sundowns, though there have also been too many draws (six) in the same run. And Pirates will have their work cut out against an Arrows side that has performed above expectations this season under Clinton Larsen. The KZN outfit are currently three points clear of Pirates in the race to finish in the top eight, and have already stunned Sundowns in this season’s Nedbank Cup. Pirates did beat Arrows already twice this season – 3-1 at home in the league, and 2-1 at home in the last-16 of the Telkom Knockout. But with home advantage this time around, could this be the moment for Larsen’s side?
Key Player: Kudakwashe Mahachi (above).
Prediction: Golden Arrows 2 Orlando Pirates 1