Kaizer Chiefs the only heavyweight in Nedbank Cup semifinals

by Staff Reporter

Friday Apr 19, 2019. 10:15

Kaizer Chiefs are the only remaining ‘heavyweight’ as the 2019 Nedbank Cup holds its semifinals on Saturday.

The Amakhosi will take on hosts Chippa United in the evening game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, looking to move one step closer to breaking a trophy drought which stretches back four years.

Chiefs last won the Nedbank Cup in 2013, while their last major trophy was the 2014/15 league title. Should the Soweto giants go all the way, it would represent a remarkable double cup success for coach Ernst Middendorp, who was in charge of Chiefs when they won the competition back in 2006.

Yet they must first overcome a plucky Chippa, who have thus far been ‘giant-killers’ in their ousting of Mamelodi Sundowns (2-1 in the last 32) and Bidvest Wits (on penalties after an incredible 4-4 draw in the quarterfinals).

The Chilli Boys have the weight of a relegation scrap (in which they have an incredibly tough run-in) hanging over them, but coach Clinton Larsen will tell his side to show Chiefs no respect at the iconic venue in PE.

The afternoon game will produce a surprise finalist, with Golden Arrows meeting second-tier side TS Galaxy at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

The hosts have won one major competition in the past – the 2009 MTN8 – while Galaxy are hoping to become the first team from the National First Division to reach the Nedbank Cup final since Black Leopards in 2011.

Galaxy’s coach is the charismatic Dan Malesela, who will enjoy pitting his wits against Arrows counterpart Steve Komphela.

The Nedbank Cup final will be held at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday 18 May.

Nedbank Cup semifinal fixtures, Saturday 20 April
Times CAT

15:00: Golden Arrows v TS Galaxy – Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium
20:15: Chippa United v Kaizer Chiefs