The visitors started the match, attacking Kaizer Chiefs aggressively in the opening exchanges.

There were notable moments during the match, including Ashley du Preez hitting the side-netting for Kaizer Chiefs in the 17th minute and a diving save by Kaizer Chiefs’ goalkeeper Brandon Petersen in the 27th minute.

Venezuelan international, Edson Castillo, hit the crossbar with a long-range effort in the 33rd minute.

In the second half, Kaizer Chiefs appeared to be the better side, with Jasond Gonzalez coming close to scoring in the 65th minute, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Royal AM’s goalkeeper, Xolani Ngcobo.

The hosts continued to press for a late winning goal, with Christian Saile hitting the crossbar in the 71st minute, and Mduduzi Shabala forcing a fine save from the Royal AM goalkeeper in the same sequence.

The match ultimately ended in a 0-0 draw, indicating that both teams defended well and neither was able to break the deadlock.

Despite the draw, Kaizer Chiefs moved up to the fourth spot on the league standings, surpassing their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates.

Royal AM climbed up to the fifth spot in the league standings after holding Kaizer Chiefs in Johannesburg.

The 29-year-old winger, who featured 20 times for the KZN side, signed a three-year contract with Amakhosi, making him the seventh new arrival at Naturena.

“We believe Tebogo will prove to be a valuable complement to the squad,” says Amakhosi Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.

“He brings his skill and craft to us, as well as a wealth of experience that our younger players can learn and benefit from. We are happy to welcome him into the Kaizer Chiefs Family.”

“Potsane played 18 league matches for Royal AM last season, contributing three assists. He will add crucial depth to the group of playing personnel available to newly-appointed head coach, Molefi Ntseki, allowing him to rest and rotate when necessary without weakening the side, in what promises to be a long and exacting 2023/24 campaign,” read the club statement.

Orlando Pirates played to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Royal AM at Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers were denied a goal scoring opportunity on the 17th minute when Kermit Erasmus’ shot was cleared off the goal line by Jabulani Ncobeni, who was starting his first game of the season.

Pirates took the lead eleven minutes into the second half when debutant, Relebohile Ratomo’s shot deflected off Elias Pelembe for an own goal.

Menzi Masuku made it 1-1 inside stoppage time to give to deny Orlando Pirates seventh consecutive win.

At Peter Mokaba Stadium, TS Galaxy’s Given Msimango stoppage time penalty denied Sekhukhune United three points. Chibuike Ohizu opened the scoring for the home side 18 minutes into the match.

Cape Town and Golden Arrows played to a 0-0 draw in the only match that failed to produce a goal.
In KZN, Chippa United came from 2-0 down to beat Richards Bay 3-2 in an entertaining match.

Richards Bay took a 2-0 lead thanks to Sakhile Hlongwa and Somila Ntsundwana’s goals. Etiosa Ighodaro made reduced the defeat before Aviwe Mqokozo scored a second half brace to secure three points for the visitors.

At Princess Magogo Stadium, Amazulu came from 2-0 to draw 2-2 with Mamelodi Sundowns. Bongani Zungu punished Usuthu defence when he scored the first goal of the match. Eight minutes after the interval, Peter Shalulile scored his 101 goal from Lebohang Maboe’s pass.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Ramahlwe Mphahlele made it 2-1 with a header denying Ronwen Williams a clean sheet. Junior Dion completed the comeback on the 84th minute with a well-taken strike to make the final score 2-2.

At Harry Gwala Stadium, Maritzburg United played to a 2-2 draw against Marumo Gallants in a relegation battle. Brandon Theron and Amadou Soukouna scored Maritzburg United’s goals with Ranga Chivaviro and Mpho Mvelase scoring for the visitors.

Dlamini, who scored the first goal in Pirates’ 2-0 win against Chippa United, has been in good form for the Buccaneers. The 26-year-old, alongside Timm, will miss the match against Royal AM after picking up yellow cards against TS Galaxy.

According to The Buccaneers’ website Dlamini and Timm’s absence “means a possible start for the likes of Makhehleni Makhaula and Fortune Makaringe after the two players made cameo appearances in Mbombela”.

After Supersport United’s 0-0 draw against Stellenbosch, Pirates are favourites to finish the season on second position and earn a place in next season’s Caf Champions League.

Pirates will head into the match having won six league matches in a row. Pirates and Royal AM have met four times across all competitions, winning two games and drawing twice.

“Though we did not create chances in the opening 20 to 25 minutes, we were getting out of the pressing traps they set for us,” Zwane told the club media after the match.

“We gave away a goal against the run of play, and were lucky not to concede a second in similar fashion from a corner but because of the pressure we applied we forced them to make a mistake – that’s our game; it has been working for us, a high tempo game – which resulted in them scoring an own goal.

“From that moment I knew it was going to be us who would get the second goal. We went into half-time knowing very well that we were still in control. In the second half, the half-chances we created could have led to goal scoring opportunities but our finishing let us down, which is an area we continue to work on improving.”

Amakhos needed extra time penalty from Yusuf Maart to beat the KZN side 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup quarter final.

“We went all the way to extra time and, with the way we play, I knew we stood a good chance of getting the second goal because Royal AM’s legs were gone. We were first to every ball and created chances again. I can’t fault the effort of my players. They came here with only one thing on their minds.

“They wanted to go through to the semi-final. I am actually proud of the attitude they showed today and the hunger, dedication and discipline. That’s all we needed,” he concluded.
Chiefs will now take on Orlando Pirates in the semi-final.

ROYAL AM NEDBANK CUP RECORDS
Appearances since 2008: 4
Played: 10
Wins: 6
Draws: 1
Losses: 3
Goals For: 15
Goals Against: 15
Top scorer since 2008: Levy Mashiane (3 goals)

2020: Quarter-finalists
2021: Round of 32
2022: Semi-finalists

KAIZER CHIEFS NEDBANK CUP RECORDS
Appearances since 2008: 16
Played: 41
Wins: 27
Draws: 4
Losses: 10
Goals For: 72
Goals Against: 33
Top scorer since 2008: Lehlohonolo Majoro (6 goals)

2008: Round of 16
2009: Round of 16
2010: Round of 16
2011: Quarter-finalist
2012: Quarter-finalists
2013: Winners
2014: Semi-finalists
2015: Round of 16
2016: Round of 32
2017: Quarter-finalist
2018: Semi-finalists
2019: Runners Up
2020: Round of 16
2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32

Stellenbosch vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Head-to-Head
Matches Played: 9
Stellenbosch wins: 1
Sundowns wins: 6
Draws: 2
Stellenbosch Goals: 9
Sundowns Goals: 17

STELLENBOSCH NEDBANK CUP RECORDS
Appearances since 2008: 6
Played: 8
Wins: 3
Draws: 1
Losses: 4
Goals For: 15
Goals Against: 14
Top scorer since 2008: Iqraam Rayners (5 goals)

2017: Round of 32
2018: Round of 16
2020: Round of 32
2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS NEDBANK RECORD
Appearances since 2008: 16
Played: 54
Wins: 41
Draws: 4
Losses: 9
Goals For: 122
Goals Against: 37
Top scorer since 2008: Hlompho Kekana (11 goals), Peter Shalulile (11 goals)

2008: Winners
2009: Round of 16
2010: Quarter-finalists
2011: Semi-finalist
2012: Runners’ Up
2013: Quarter-finalists
2014: Quarter-finalists
2015: Winners
2016: Quarter-finalist
2017: Round of 16
2018: Semi-finalists
2019: Round of 32
2020: Winners
2021: Semi-finalists
2022: Winners

Dondol Stars vs Orlando Pirates: Head-to-Head
*This will be the first meeting between two sides.

DONDOL STARS NEDBANK CUP RECORDS
Appearances since 2008: 2
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 0
Goals For: 3
Goals Against: 2
Top scorer since 2008: Revaldo Fox, Relebogile Molefe, Kholofelo Monama (1 goal)

ORLANDO PIRATES NEDBANK CUP RECORDS
Appearances since 2008: 16
Played: 42
Wins: 28
Draws: 5
Losses: 9
Goals For: 80
Goals Against: 48
Top scorer since 2008: Oupa Monyasia (5 goals)

2008: Round of 32
2009: Round of 16
2010: Quarter-finalists
2011: Winners
2012: Round of 16
2013: Round of 32
2014: Winners
2015: Round of 16
2016: Runners Up
2017: Runners Up
2018: Round of 16
2019: Round of 32
2020: Round of 32
2021: Quarter-finalists
2022: Round of 16

Chippa United vs Sekhukhune United: Head-to-Head
Matches Played: 4
Chippa United wins: 2
Sekhukhune United wins: 0
Draws: 2
Chippa United Goals: 3
Sekhukhune United Goals: 1

2011: Round of 32
2013: Round of 32
2015: Round of 32
2016: Round of 32
2017: Semi-finalists
2018: Round of 16
2019: Semi-finalists
2020: Round of 16
2021: Runners Up
2022: Round of 32

SEKHUKHUNE UNITED NEDBANK CUP RECORDS
Appearances since 2008: 3
Played: 3
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals For: 8
Goals Against: 3
Top scorer since 2008: Vusimizi Ncube (2 goals)

2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32

NEDBANK CUP RECORDS
Years Played: 16 (since 2008)
Most trophy wins: 4 – Mamelodi Sundowns (2008, 2015, 2020, 2022)
Most wins for a coach: 3 – Stuart Baxter (2013, 2016, 2017)
Most matches played: 54 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most matches won: 41 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most goals scored by a team: 122 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most goals scored by a player: 14 – Peter Shalulile

Amakhosi have scored 36 goals in all competitions this season with 30 goals coming in the league and six in cup matches.

Most goals scored came inside 15 minutes – and speaking to the media ahead of the Nedbank Cup, Zwane says creating chances and converting a few doesn’t bother him.

“There are no easy games or small teams in the PSL,” Zwane said. “All the games are difficult we just have to make sure we plan accordingly and profile the opposition properly. We don’t stop working, there are lots of positives.

“It’s better to create chances than not creating them at all. It gives us one task to work on being clinical in front of goals. We will give on improving and make sure that we take our chances.”

KAIZER CHIEFS’ GOALS SCORED THIS SEASON
Goals Scored between 0-15 minutes
4 Minutes: Ashley Du Preez against Maritzburg United
5 Minutes: Keagan Dolly against Maritzburg United
6 Minutes: Ashley Du Preez against Marumo Gallants
7 Minutes: Ashley Du Preez against TS Galaxy
8 Minutes: Sifiso Hlanti against Golden Arrows
8 Minutes: Siyabonga Ngezana against Richards Bay
10 Minutes: Cristian Saile Basomboli against Maritzburg United
11 Minutes: Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana – penalty against Casric Stars
11 Minutes: Ashley Du Preez – penalty against Stellenbosch
14 Minutes: Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana against Golden Arrows

Goals scored between 16-30 minutes
24 Minutes: Keagan Dolly against Maritzburg United
25 Minutes: Keagan Dolly against Stellenbosch
35 Minutes: Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana against Swallows

Goals scored between 31-45 minutes
38 Minutes: Edmilson Dove against Golden Arrows
40 Minutes: Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana against Supersport United
44 Minutes: Siyabonga Ngezana against Chippa United
45 Minutes: Keagan Dolly against Swallows
45 Minutes: Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana – Penalty against Stellenbosch

Goals scored between 46-60 minutes
47 Minutes: Mduduzi Shabalala against Golden Arrows
49 Minutes: Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana – penalty against Stellenbosch
54 Minutes: Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana – penalty against Supersport United
56 Minutes: Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana – penalty against Stellenbosch
58 Minutes: Ashley Du Preez against Stellenbosch
60 Minutes: Sifiso Hlanti against Royal AM

Goals scored between 61-75 minutes
61 Minutes: Keagan Dolly against Amazulu
62 Minutes: Dillian Solomon – penalty Richards Bay
63 Minutes: Ashley Du Preez against Casric Stars
74 Minutes: Yusuf Maart against Orlando Pirates

Goals scored between 76-90 minutes
76 Minutes: Yusuf Maart – penalty against Maritzburg United
81 Minutes: Keagan Dolly against TS Galaxy
84 Minutes: Zitha Macheke against Marumo Gallants
85 Minutes: Ashley Du Preez against Royal AM
89 Minutes: Olisa Ndah – (Own Goal Orlando Pirates)
90 Minutes: Mduduzi Shabalala against Maritzburg United
92 Minutes: (Extra Time) Christian Saile Basomboli against Maritzburg United
113 Minutes: (Extra Time) Ashley Du Preez against Maritzburg United

KAIZER CHIEFS GOALS CONCEDED
Goals conceded between 0-15 minutes
1 Minutes: Ricardo Nasciemento (Royal AM)
5 Minutes: Darwin Gonzalez (Cape Town City)
6 Minutes: Gaston Sirino (Mamelodi Sundowns)
12 Minutes: Mahlatse Makhudubela (Marumo Gallants)
14 Minutes: Gabadinho Mhango (Amazulu)
14 Minutes: Dumisani Zuma (Amazulu)
15 Minutes: Grant Margeman (Supersport United)

Goals conceded 16-30 minutes
17 Minutes: Peter Shalulile – penalty (Mamelodi Sundowns)
20 Minutes: Neo Maema (Mamelodi Sundowns)
20 Minutes: Rafiq de Goede (Maritzburg United)
29 Minutes: Nhlanhla Mgaga (Stellebosch)

Goals conceded between 31-45 minutes
32 Minutes: Bernard Parker (TS Galaxy)
36 Minutes: Ranga Chivaviro (Marumo Gallants)
37 Minutes: Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Amazulu)
40 Minutes: Djakaridja Junior Traore (TS Galaxy)
41 Minutes: Amadou Soukouna (Maritzburg United)
45 Minutes: Sade Junior Dion (Amazulu)
45 Minutes: Ntsako Makhubula (Golden Arrows)

Goals conceded between 46-60 minutes
46 Minutes: Ibraheem Jabaar (Stellenbosch)
48 Minutes: Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch)
49 Minutes: Vusumzi Mncube (Sekhekhune United)
53 Minutes: Peter Shalile (Mamelodi Sundowns)
54 Minutes: Siphelele Luthuli (Chippa United)

Goals conceded between 61-75 minutes
61 Minutes: Kgomotso Mosadi (Casric Stars)
62 Minutes: Nathan Fasika (Cape Town City)
68 Minutes: Waseem Isaacs (Swallows)
69 Minutes: Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows)

Goals conceded 76-90 minutes
76 Minutes: Abubaker Nassir (Mamelodi Sundowns)
78 Minutes: Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows)
89 Minutes: Edmilson Dove – own goal (Chippa United)
90 Minutes: Bongi Ntuli (Amazulu)
By Zola Doda

Chiefs take on Royal AM in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final at Chatsworth, kick off 18:00. “I’m feeling good and very excited about playing in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal and we are preparing very well for the encounter on Sunday,” the player told Chiefs website.

“We will try to do our best. As you know, we didn’t do much in the last game we played against Marumo (Gallants) so we are going to push as much as possible to get to the next round.”

Shabalala was promoted to the Chiefs senior last year and has made 16 appearances and scoring two goals for Amakhosi this season so far.

The two sides have met four times with Royal AM winning three times and Chiefs once. Shabalala says he is aware of the daunting ahead.

“We have been looking at them. I watched their game against Marumo,” Shabalala reveals. “We saw their weaknesses and their strong points. We’ll try to take advantage their weakness because they are a good ball-playing team, just like us, so we’ll try to do our best to score as many goals as we can.”

Chiefs have not won a trophy since 2015 and the 19-year-old says he wants to help change that. “Obviously, we are the ones who can change this. We are the ones who are playing and we are trying our level best so that we can get to the final and win the Nedbank Cup and put the club back where it belongs. The commitment, the fight and the desire is there for us to go all the way.”

“We have eight games left, because we want to go to the final, we are conditioning ourselves very well. We are going to need a lot of rest in between the matches so that we can have more energy when we play, but I believe we can do it.”

Mduduzi Shabalala
Position: Attacking midfielder
Nedbank Cup appearances/goals: 2/0
PSL Career appearances/goals: 16/2

KAIZER CHIEFS NEDBANK RECORD
Appearances since 2008: 16
Played: 41
Wins: 27
Draws: 4
Losses: 10
Goals For: 72
Goals Against: 33
Top scorer since 2008: Lehlohonolo Majoro (6)

2008: Round of 16
2009: Round of 16
2010: Round of 16
2011: Quarter-finalist
2012: Quarter-finalists
2013: Winners
2014: Semi-finalists
2015: Round of 16
2016: Round of 32
2017: Quarter-finalist
2018: Semi-finalists
2019: Runners Up
2020: Round of 16
2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32

Nedbank Cup Facts
Years Played: 16 (since 2008)
Most trophy wins: 4 – Mamelodi Sundowns (2008, 2015, 2020, 2022)
Most wins by a coach: 3 – Stuart Baxter (2013, 2016, 2017)
Most matches played: 54 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most matches won: 41 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most goals scored: 122 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most goals scored: 14 – Peter Shalulile
By Zola Doda

Amakhosi were knocked of the MTN8 in the semi-final by Amazulu and with Sundowns already crowned league champions, the Nedbank Cup is the last opportunity to get their hands on silverware.

Chiefs will take on Royal AM stands in the quarter-final this weekend. “This is the opportunity for us to play for something,” Dolly Amakhosi website.

“This is a different game to a league game. We have to win no matter how we play. What is important for us is to get to the semi-finals.”

The two sides met in the first match of the season at FNB Stadium with the KZN side coming out victorious. In January, Amakhosi, were able to avenge the defeat with an impressive 2-0 win which also marked a debut for Christian Saile Basomboli.

The 30-year-old feels that Chiefs can get a positive result on Sunday. “Royal AM are a good team but we did beat them the last time we played against them which gives us confidence for this game. We want to get into the semifinal and, ultimately, lift the cup for our supporters.”
By Zola Doda

The 28-year-old missed the 2-1 loss to Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium and Stellenbosch coach, Steve Barker, is delighted with his return.

“He has been integral to the way we do things and the way we play – he has had already good season,” Barker said.

“He is consistent week in and week out and gives us that steal and energy in midfield. He breaks down a lot of opposition attacks. He has the ability to progress the ball. It’s good to have him back.”

Stellies take on Royal AM at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday and will be without goalkeeper Sage Stevens who picked up a red card against Kaizer Chiefs. Barker will rely on the experience of Lee Langeveldt.

“The advantage of having good depth in our goalkeeping department, because Lee [Langeveldt] is an accomplished goalkeeper. He is a club captain and he has served us very well since our NFD [National First Division] days.

“He is very reliable and he is one of the best shot stoppers in the country – he has a lot of leadership and quality.

“When you get into this point of the season, there are not too many tactics that one needs to be concentrating on. We have done the hard work and know what works for us as a team, we know our strengths are and we know what we need to be better.

“We just have to make sure that the finer details and fine tuning both defensively and attack.”
By Zola Doda