Maritzburg United v Kaizer Chiefs
Fadlu to extend Chiefs’ trophy drought?
Arguably the pick of the round sees the Team of Choice host Kaizer Chiefs. With any competitive cup competition, it represents the chance for Amakhosi to end a trophy drought going back to May 2015. Should they fail to lift the Nedbank Cup, the earliest their long wait for silverware could end is in October when the MTN8 final is usually played. With just one win in five DStv Premiership matches, coach Arthur Zwane can’t afford an early cup exit, too. The Soweto giants lost to TS Galaxy at the same stage of the competition last season, which perhaps proved the beginning of the end for coach Stuart Baxter and the man nicknamed “10111” will want to avoid fan pressure and media scrutiny by reaching the next round.
Chiefs haven’t lifted this cup since 2013, when Bernard Parker’s extra-time goal earned a 1-0 win against SuperSport United in the final under Baxter. Their 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy in 2019 under coach Ernst Middendorp is still a painful memory, whilst 2021’s 2-1 home defeat to Richards Bay FC in the last minute left a bitter taste in the mouth for coach Gavin Hunt, who was sacked a couple of months later. They have been handed a very tough tie, going to Harry Gwala Stadium for their famous Friday night football. Zwane also comes up against coach Fadlu Davids, a mentor who reached the 2018 Nedbank Cup final, losing to Free State Stars. As co-coach of Orlando
Pirates, he helped the side reach the CAF Confederations Cup final last season before a loss to Moroccan outfit RS Berkane on penalties.
Key battle Peprah v Dove
For Maritzburg to get Ghanaian striker Kwame Peprah on loan was a real coup. He had spent much of the off-season being linked with a move to clubs in Asia and Europa, only to remain at the Buccaneers. Despite a good pre-season, it became abundantly clear that coach Jose Riveiro wasn’t a big fan. In 19 matches (in all competitions) as a Bucs player this term, he only started one match, the 1-0 home loss to Chippa United. His other five appearances as a substitute totalled just 49 minutes as he went unused in 13 fixtures. After a long wait for his work permit to be granted, he finally made his debut for the Team of Choice in the KZN Derby against AmaZulu FC, netting the opening goal with a fine diving header. He scored against archrivals Chiefs for Pirates in March 2022, sliding to finish a cross at the back post. Assuming Amakhosi go with their strongest XI, the burly marksman will come up against Edmilson Dove in this one. Despite some errors in recent weeks, Dove is very strong in duels and is a good marker. He will relish getting physical with Peprah in the channels and the aerial battles. With the signing of Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, competition for that left centre-back position is about to get a lot tougher next season. Dove needs to play well if Chiefs are to win but also to ensure he isn’t relegated to the bench next term.
Relegation distraction v new attack
The one question mark here is whether Davids’ team will be fully focused on this match considering their precarious league position. Surviving relegation is the top priority between now and May and a cup run can have two possible effects: it can prove a distraction and make your fixture list more gruelling, or it can be a chance to build momentum, confidence and cohesion. The young tactician has been stressing the need for a winning mentality and was upset with his side conceding a 98thminute consolation goal to Royal AM even at 3-0 up. His point that you can’t switch off in matches was shown last Friday as they leaked a 94th-minute equaliser at home to Usuthu.
Meanwhile, the Glamour Boys have numerous injuries to contend with. Khama Billiat’s season is over and we probably won’t see much of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo due to surgery on a thigh injury. Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons won’t play again until March and BonfilsCaleb Bimenyimana had to go off injured in the goalless draw with 10-man TS Galaxy. Christian Saile Basomboli could be set for a first start, probably on the right flank, with Ashley Du Preez as a central striker. Wandile Duba and Mduduzi Shabalala will also hope for further minutes. At right back, it will have to be Siyabonga Ngezana once again, up against the lively Jose Ali Meza.