Key player duels in Ke Yona final
Five battles that may decide title
There will be some key duels during the Nedbank Cup final between Maritzburg United and Free State Stars in Cape Town tomorrow.
We look at five match-ups that will go a long way in determining the outcome of the final.
Rooi Mahamutsa v Andrea Fileccia
Defender Mahamutsa will have his hands full dealing with the mobile Belgian striker in the final. Mahamutsa is a solid man-marker, but may have a tough time against the Maritzburg players who change positions throughout the game.
Nhlanhla Vilakazi v Siphesihle Ndlovu
The midfield battle will de- pend heavily on which of two players wins their duel.
Ndlovu is an immensely talented dribbler with blistering pace, while Vilakazi is a central midfield workhorse. Ndlovu’s ability to unlock defences will be relied upon by his team while Vilakazi will have to be at his sharpest to contain him.
Patrick Phungwayo v Lebohang Maboe
As both teams enjoy using width from the flanks, the battle on the left side of the pitch will be one to watch. Stars wingback Phungwayo will have to deal with Maboe’s penetrating runs that have made him one of the most exciting youngsters the
Harris Siyanda Tchilimbou
in Premiership.
v Xulu
Tchilimbou, the destroyer-in-chief of Kaizer Chiefs with both goals in the semifinal, will be out to put on another deadly performance in the final. The Congolese has been an ace in the pack for Luc Eymael and Xulu, who has been a wall in defence for Maritzburg, will need to deal with him.
Goodman Dlamini v Fortune Makaringe
Stars will depend on their attacking midfielders to provide their strikers with the crosses that can do the damage, like when they beat Chiefs 2-0 in the semifinal. Dlamini will look to outdo Makaringe in midfield and ensure that his team has the necessary supply to the likes of Tchilimbou and Siphelele Mthembu who will be ready to pounce.