Bay’s Sibanye close in on Nedbank Cup spot

Nelson Mandela Bay-based ABC Motsepe League side Sibanye are one step closer to booking themselves a spot in the Nedbank Cup last 32 after topping Group A in the preliminary round to progress to the semifinals.

Sibanye will now play Group B winners Tornado FC in the semifinal on October 13, at a venue still to be decided.

The Port Elizabeth side’s journey in the group stages started with a 2-0 win against Swartkops Valley United Brothers, and Sibanye went on to beat Highbury 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw.

Describing the competition’s preliminary round, Safa Eastern Cape provincial secretary Isaac Klaas said: “The games were played in high spirits and didn’t disappoint.

“If what happened the past weekend in terms of quality football is the expectation for the season, then we are in for a competitive season.

“I think the experience of Tornado and Mthatha Bucks helped them to advance to the last four, and for Amavarara it was a continuation of their good run [this season].

“Sibanye are the underdogs who could cause an upset.”

The ABC winner will play the SAB League winner on November 3 to determine the provincial winner who will represent the Eastern Cape in the Nedbank Cup last 32. Nedbank Cup results: Group A: SUBS 0 Sibanye 2, Highbury 1 PE Stars 0, Sibanye 0 Highbury 0 (Sibanye won 4-2 on penalties).

Group B: Bush Bucks 0 Tornado 4, Birmingham City 2 Future Tigers 1, Tornado 3 Birmingham City 0.

Group C: Matta Milan 0 Butterworth 0 (Butterworth won 4-2 on penalties), Peace Makers 0 Amavarara 1, Amavarara 3 Butterworth 2.

Group D: Bizana Pondo Chiefs 0 Yakha Utd 0, The Guys 0 Mthatha Bucks 1, Mthatha Bucks 1 Yakha Utd 0.

The last four are Sibanye, Tornado, Amavarara and Mthatha Bucks