Arrows on target to make Nedbank Cup history

LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows are looking to become the first team from KwaZulu-Natal to lift the Nedbank Cup.

Abafana Bes’thende will square off against Witbank Spurs tomorrow at 3pm in the last 16 of South Africa’s premier cup competition.

Arrows swept past Tjakastad in round one, while their opponent stunned Maritzburg United.

They have proven that they are no pushover under the tutelage of Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba. The National First Division outfit are a dangerous side that plays with energy and confidence.

Steve Komphela has also transformed Abafana Bes’thende since taking over the hot seat at the Durban-based club. They play with finesse, zeal and tenacity.

Arrows are now the last hope for KZN in the Nedbank Cup. Maritzburg United and AmaZulu were sent packing in the first round. Richards Bay FC are still in the competition, but you can’t put all your money on them to win the competition.

Usuthu succumbed to Highlands Park on penalties, while the Team of Choice were upset by Spurs.

No other KZN team has managed to capture the Nedbank Cup, but a lot of them have come close.

Zulu Royals nearly got there in 1972 and 1973 when the competition was still called the Life Challenge Cup. They were beaten by Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates respectively in 1972 and 1973.

AmaZulu were the runners-up in 1974. African Wanderers stumbled at the last hurdle in 1982 against Kaizer Chiefs when Mainstay was sponsoring the competition.

Usuthu have been the unluckiest side. They were defeated by Amakhosi in the Mainstay final in 1987.

Their barren run in South Africa’s premier competition continued when they were shot down 1-0 by Jomo Cosmos in the final. It was called the Bob Save Super Bowl when Usuthu were stunned by Ezenkosi.

Komphela was at the helm when Manning Rangers were the losing finalists in 2004. They were dispatched 3-1 by Moroka Swallows in the Absa Cup. Usuthu was then dismantled by Bidvest Wits in the Nebank Cup final in 2010.

Maritzburg United were favourites to triumph last season, but were upset by Free State Stars in Cape Town.

Abafana Bes’thende will be looking to end the hoodoo and become the first side from KZN in 48 years to win the Nedbank Cup.

Arrows have only won one bit of silverware in top flight football, humbling Ajax Cape Town 6-0 at Orlando Stadium in the final of the MTN8 in 2009.