Chance for league sides to scan rivals

WITH the Safa-SAB soccer league having only started last week, the teams have a chance to assess their opposition in the Nedbank Knockout Cup at the weekend.

Safa-SAB league champions NMU Madibaz will be up against Camper United in the final game on Sunday, at Port Elizabeth’s Zwide Stadium.

The students started their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Fairview Rovers.

“An extended run in the Nedbank Cup will not only yield valuable monetary rewards, but also allow us to test ourselves against higher league teams,” Madibaz Sport soccer manager Mark Tommy said.

“We have some experienced campaigners – including skipper Cloudius Sagandira – who should see us through.”

Rovers will be in action against Morning Stars in an earlier game in Zwide.

“Stars are an experienced team who played in the ABC Motsepe League last season, but our preseason preparation has gone well,” Rovers coach Poppy Harrison said.

Motherwell Academy, who lost to Highland Spurs in the semifinals of the competition last year, take on newcomers Major Chiefs.

Fielding virtually an U21 team in their opening fixture against Morning Stars, Motherwell held their own to came away with a goalless draw.

“We released most of our players to join the ABC Motsepe League team and their places have been taken by youngsters from our youth academy,” Motherwell manager Luthando Lubisa said.

“Youngsters like Sivuyile Maqetuka and Vusumzi Stamper showed that they can hold their own in senior company.”

Hearts, who made a winning start to the league season, take on PE Sundowns.

“We are not underestimating PE Sundowns, but are confident we van make it through to the next round,” Hearts coach Munchy Margon said.

Young Ideas, who thrashed FC Winners 3-0 last week, play Golden Aces in the first match tomorrow morning.

Kickoff at the Zwide Stadium is at 10am, on both days.

The fixtures are: Tomorrow – Sunday –