Nedbank Cup Weekend Multi and Predictions

Mamelodi Sundowns clinched their first domestic treble in the PSL era when they beat Bloemfontein Celtic in the final of last season’s Nedbank Cup. This season, the tournament takes on even greater importance than usual due to the cancellation of the Telkom Knockout.

Sundowns face a relatively tricky start to their cup defence, while rivals Swallows, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs each face second-tier opponents.

Arguably the pick of the last 32 fixtures will be the Durban derby, which pits Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu against an in-form Golden Arrows.

Here, we take a look at a select few of the fixtures on offer during the week. We’ll have another preview ahead of the weekend fixtures.

Orlando Pirates v Uthongathi FC

(Saturday 6 February, 15:00)

The Buccaneers prevailed 2-1 in a scrappy Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, picking up a badly-needed three points. Josef Zinnbauer’s men have struggled for consistency this season and could ill afford any slip-ups.

Uthongathi themselves know a fair amount about that. They are a respectable sixth in the GladAfrica Championship, but five draws in 11 matches including four in their last seven have prevented them from gaining momentum in their promotion bid.

The Buccaneers have depth in their squad and it is likely that fringe players will be handed opportunities for this match, particularly after a midweek encounter with Golden Arrows. Pirates should be too strong for their visitors with the altitude at Orlando Stadium likely to work in their favour.

Prediction: Pirates Win 3-0

Cape Town City v Bloemfontein Celtic

(Saturday 6 February, 17:00)

Cape Town City host Bloemfontein Celtic at Cape Town Stadium as the free-scoring Citizens look to put Phunya Sele Sele to the sword. Celtic head into this off the back of a midweek clash with AmaZulu and their performances so far this season have been unspectacular.

City, by contrast, have become the neutrals’ favourites with Surprise Ralani in particular raking in the plaudits for his performances. Home ground advantage should give City a perfect springboard to launch the sort of cup run which they embarked on regularly during the Eric Tinkler and Benni McCarthy eras.

Lots of goals are expected in this encounter, and given City’s poor defence so far this season, they may well come at both ends. However, the hosts should have too much firepower for their opponents in this encounter.

Prediction: Cape Town City Win 3-1

Golden Arrows v AmaZulu

(Saturday 6 February, 17:00)

AmaZulu have not always taken enough of their chances in the Benni McCarthy era, but Usuthu are beginning to look more comfortable and show the fighting spirit which their coach had plenty of during his playing career.

The derby against Golden Arrows will be an interesting test for Usuthu, given that Abafana Bes’thende have enjoyed a solid start to the season. Prior to a 4-2 defeat to Cape Town City in their 12th match of the league season, Arrows had not lost one in 2020/21.

Momentum is with AmaZulu now and a victory in this match could mark a coming of age under McCarthy’s guidance. Usuthu are predicted to steal a tightly-fought fixture with a moment of brilliance.

Prediction: AmaZulu Win 2-1

Swallows FC v Cape United

(Sunday 7 February, 15:00)

Swallows snatched the First Division title at the death last season, winning promotion to the top flight. Here, Brandon Truter’s men have proven that they are capable of holding their own.

However, they face a tough test against Cape United on Sunday. Roger de Sá was a successful goalkeeper for Moroka Swallows and will be eager to put his best foot forward at Dobsonville Stadium as he guides Sunday’s visitors.

Cape United remain in the running for the GladAfrica Championship title this season, but Swallows should be too strong for them on this occasion.

Prediction: Swallows Win 2-0

Kaizer Chiefs v Richards Bay

(Sunday 7 February, 17:00)

Amakhosi will be looking for a swift recovery from their Soweto derby disappointment whey they host Richards Bay at FNB Stadium.

This sort of fixture has often proved difficult for Chiefs in recent years when they have been going through tough times. However, Gavin Hunt is one man who is certainly capable of ensuring that his troops are fully motivated and use this as an opportunity to bounce back.

Richards Bay are on an eight-match unbeaten run and are likely to stand their ground against Amakhosi as best they can. This match may not be plain sailing, but Chiefs should ultimately be too strong for their visitors.

Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs Win 2-1