Nigerian striker Chibuike Ohizu scored the opening goal for Sekhukhune United just 12 minutes into the game, putting his team ahead.

FC Saint Eloi Lupopo responded quickly with a goal by teenager Mokonzi Katumbwe, equalizing the score just three minutes after Ohizu’s goal.

Sekhukhune United regained the lead just before halftime with Jamie Webber scoring a goal.
Tresor Tshibwabwa, another Congolese player, extended Sekhukhune United’s lead with a well-taken third goal after the halftime break.

The second leg of this matchup is scheduled for 29th September, with both Sekhukhune and their opponent, FC Saint Eloi Lupopo, defending their advantages.

In another match on the same day, Gaborone United from Botswana and Supersport United from South Africa played to a 1-1 draw.

The winners of the second qualifying round ties will advance to the play-off round, bringing them closer to reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

Pirates won the MTN8 earlier this season and stand a chance to win a domestic cup double if they beat Babina Noko. The Nedbank Cup final is will kick off at 18:00 on Saturday.

“I think we have prepared well,” Erasmus told the Pirates website. “We’ve got our plans for how they might approach the game, but you know it could change. It also could be the same, but we are prepared for whatever might happen on the day.”

The 32-year-old is on his second spell with the Buccaneers. In 2013, he joined from Supersport United and his brace during the 2013/14 Nedbank Cup Final helped Pirates beat Bidvest Wits 3-1.

“Being at a club like Orlando Pirates, it’s obviously important to help bring silverware to the club,” adds Erasmus.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to achieve that. Hopefully, we’ll be ready on the day and give everything to make that possible.”

“A Cup Final is obviously always something great to be a part of and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to be involved. It’s just about giving my best for the team.

“Hopefully, we can be victors on the day. We have a lot of respect for our opposition and we’re not taking anything for granted. We’ll go in there and give our best, and our best will hopefully bring the trophy home.”

Erasmus says being expected to deliver in the big moments is a challenge he has become accustomed to taking on. “It’s something I accept and take on the best way I can,” he said.

“I just give my best whenever I’m given the chance to don the jersey. I’m blessed to be able to deliver on big games, and hopefully I can do the same on Saturday.”

LIFE CHALLENGE CUP
1971: Kaizer Chiefs 2 Orlando Pirates 2 (after extra time)
Replay: Kaizer Chiefs 2 Orlando Pirates 1

1972: Kaizer Chiefs 4 Zulu Royals 1
1973 Orlando Pirates 5 Zulu Royals 2
1974 Orlando Pirates 1 Amazulu 0
1975 Orlando Pirates 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1 (After Extra Time)

BENSON & HEDGES TROPHY
1976 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 0
1977 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 0

MAINSTAY CUP
1978 Wits University 3 Kaizer Chiefs 2
1979 Kaizer Chiefs 3 Highlands Park FC 3 (aet)
Replay: Chiefs 2 Highlands 0
1980 Orlando Pirates 3 Moroka Swallows 2
1981 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 1 (aet)
Replay: Chiefs 3 Pirates 1
1982 Kaizer Chiefs 2 African Wanders 1
1983 Moroka Swallows 1 Witbank Black Aces 0
1984 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 0
1985 Bloemfontein Celtic 2 African Wanderers 1 (After Extra Time)
1986 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Jomo Cosmos 0 (After Extra Time)
1987 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Amazulu 0

BOB SAVE SUPER BOWL
1988 Orlando Pirates 0 Kaizer Chiefs 0 (aet)
Replay: Orlando Pirates 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1
1989 Moroka Swallows 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 (aet)
Replay: Moroka Swallows 5 Mamelodi Sundowns 1
1990 Jomos Cosmos 1 Amazulu 0
1991 Moroka Swallows 2 Jomo Cosmos 1 (After Extra Time)
1992 Kaizer Chiefs 2 Jomo Cosmos 1 (aet)
1993 Witabank Aces 1 Kaizer Chiefs 0
1994 Vaal Professionals 1 QwaQwa Stars 0
1995 Cape Town Spurs 3 Pretoria City 2
1996 Orlando Pirates 1 Jomo Cosmos 0
1998 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Orlando Pirates 1 (After Extra Time)
Replay: Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Orlando Pirates 1 (After Extra Time, Sundowns wins 6-5 on penalties)
1999 Supersport United 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1
2000 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 0
2001 Santos 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 0
2002 No competition

ABSA CUP
2003 Santos 2 Ajax Cape Town 0
2004 Moroka Swallows 3 Manning Rangers 1
2005 Supersport United 1 Wits University 0
2006 Kaizer Chiefs 0 Orlando Pirates 0
(After Extra Time, Chiefs win 5-3 on penalties)
2007 Ajax Cape Town 2 Mamelodi Sundowns 0

NEDBANK CUP
2008 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Mpumalanga Black Aces 0
2009 Moroka Swallows 1 University of Pretoria 0
2010 Bidvest Wits 3 Amazulu 0
2011 Orlando Pirates 3 Black Leopards 1
2012 Supersport United 2 Mamelod Sundowns 0
2013 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Supersport United 0
2014 Orlando Pirates 3 Bidvest Wits 1
2015 Mamelodi Sundowns 0 Ajax Cape Town 0
(aet, Sundowns win 4-3 on penalties)
2016 Supersport United 3 Orlando Pirates 2
2017 Supersport United 4 Orlando Pirates 1
2018 Maritzburg United 0 Free State Stars 1
2019 TS Galaxy 1 Kaizer Chiefs 0
2020 Bloemfontein Celtic 0 Mamelodi Sundowns 1
2021 Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 1 Chippa United 0
2022 Mamelodi Sundowns 2 Marumo Gallants 1

Top-scorers since 2008: Kermit Erasmus, Thembinkosi Lorch, Oupa Manyisa, Tendai Ndoro (5)

Pirates Nedbank Cup Record
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-finalist
2022: Round of 16

Sekhukhune United
Appearances since 2008: 3
Record since 2008:
Played: 6
Wins: 3
Draws: 2
Losses: 1
Goals For: 12
Goals Against: 5

Top-scorers since 2008: Rodrick Kabwe, Chibuike Ohizu (2)

Sekhukhune United Nedbank Cup Record:
2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32
Years played: 16 (since 2008)

Head-to-Head:

Played: 4
Orlando Pirates won: 2
Sekhukhune United won: 1
Draws: 1
Orlando Pirates goals: 4
Sekhukhune United goals: 4

Most trophy wins by a team: 4 (Mamelodi Sundowns – 2008, 2015, 2020, 2022)
Most wins by a coach: 3 (Stuart Baxter – 2013, 2016, 2017)
Most matches played by a team: 55 (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Most matches won by a team: 41 (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Most goals scored by a team: 123 (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Most goals scored by a player: 14 (Peter Shalulile)

The Spaniard joined the Buccaneers at the beginning of the season and won the MTN8. This weekend he will have an opportunity to win a second trophy against Sekhukhune United.

“Any game we are going to play we have to accept that role and pressure,” Riveiro said. “But it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be an easy game.

“We have to be mentally prepared for a very difficult game because it’s a Final and it’s also against a very difficult team [Sekhukhune United].

“They showed it several times this season, especially when they faced favourites, we know what’s coming and we know the amount of running we have to do to be the winning team at the end of the match.”

Riveiro said he is not surprised that that Orlando Pirates is one the teams fighting to win the Nedbank Cup Final also embraced the challenge that comes with coaching a team a big team.

“Where we are it’s the reason why we have an opportunity to fight for titles. We have a fantastic structure; we have a big squad full of talent that allows us to dream about it,” adds Riveiro.

“It’s not a surprise that we are one of the teams fighting for the title. When we started the season at the club like this it’s obvious that you think about being in the Final.

But bringing titles requires a lot of things that must happen during the season. Dynamics, injuries, piece of luck – but we are in the right place and it’s not a surprise to see us in the last game. “It’s been a long journey but I’m happy that we are the only team that has played every possible this season.”
By Zola Doda

The Buccaneers took the lead through Terrence Dzvukamanja on the 31st minute before Edwin Gymah made it 1-1 seven minutes later.

“Getting four points from Pirates in a season is a massive achievement,” said Truter. “I’m very happy with the boys’ performance and tactical flexibility. I think we carried ourselves very well. In the first half we struggled a bit in our attack – getting out from the D block.

“But in the second half, when we brought in Elias Mokwano and Sepana Letsoalo, we created one or two chances and we could have snatched it at the end.”

The two sides will meet again in the Nedbank Cup Final on Saturday, 27 May at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

“I’m happy for the boys and the points – it also sets us up for a good [Nedbank Cup] final,” adds Truter. “We still have Supersport United in the last league game of the season to secure a place in the top eight.”
By Zola Doda

The Buccaneers host Sekhukhune United in the league on Saturday and the two sides will meet again in the Nedbank Cup Final on Saturday, 27 May.

“The next objective for us is to consolidate our place on the log and make sure that we finish second,” Riveiro says.

“I’m not thinking at all about the Cup Final. We know that Cup finals are different to league fixtures – so we try to prepare for the game, especially mentally because at this time of the season every preparation should already been done in terms of structure and organisation.

“The players are in the last part of the season; everything is pretty clear for us – it’s more about physical and mental recovery. We go game by game and the 27 [of May] is so far.”

The Spanish mentor was voted as the coach of the month for April after winning four matches.
“We are the team of the month more than I am coach of the month,” adds Riveiro. “I take [the award] it’s fine, there will always be individual awards in football.

“It was a fantastic month and the performance of the team was brilliant. We managed to get fantastic results.”

With two league matches remaining before the end of the season, Riveiro believes Pirates have the Caf Champions League fate in their hands.

“We don’t have to watch anybody else, we are focusing on our plans – we don’t only want to win the next game but the one after that as well. We have a small advantage and it’s giving us the possibility to not feel any external pressure or distraction about what other sides is doing.”
By Zola Doda

Head-to-Head
Matches Played: 4
Stellenbosch wins: 0
Sekhukhune United wins: 1
Draws: 3
Stellenbosch Goals: 3
Sekhukhune United Goals: 4

Stellenbosch FC Nedbank Cup Record
Appearances since 2008: 6
Record since 2008:
Matches Played: 9
Wins: 4
Draws: 1
Losses: 4
Goals For: 17
Goals Against: 15
Top-scorers since 2008: Iqraam Rayners (7)

Nedbank Cup Record:
2017: Round of 32
2018: Round of 16
2020: Round of 32
2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32

Sekhukhune United Nedbank Cup Record
Appearances since 2008: 3
Record since 2008:
Matches Played: 5
Wins: 3
Draws: 1
Loses: 1
Goals For: 12
Goals Against: 5
Top-scorers since 2008: Rodrick Kabwe, Vusimuzi Mncube, Chibuike Ohizu (2)

Nedbank Cup Record:
2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32

Years played: 16 (since 2008)
Most trophy wins by a team: 4 – Mamelodi Sundowns (2008, 2015, 2020, 2022)
Most wins by a coach: 3 – Stuart Baxter (2013, 2016, 2017)
Most matches played by a team: 55 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most matches won by a team: 41 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most goals scored by a team: 123 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most goals scored by a player: 14 – Peter Shalulile

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.

The winners of the match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will battle it against the winners of the match between Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United in Tshwane.

“The Loftus Versfeld Stadium has a rich history in South African sports, and we are thrilled to host this season’s Nedbank Cup final at this world class venue,” said the PSL acting CEO Mato Madlala.

“The 16th edition of the Nedbank Cup has been filled with lots of entertainment and excitement for football spectators, and we expect much of the same for the remainder of the tournament.

“We have no doubt that together with our partners Nedbank, we will deliver a successful event on the 27th of May 2023.

“We would also like to thank the Gauteng Provincial Government for coming on board and providing logistical support for the hosting of this final.”
By Zola Doda