With four teams remaining in the Nedbank Cup, a lot has been said about the match for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, while very little has been said about Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United.
The Soweto Derby has been scheduled for this Saturday at FNB Stadium, with the second semi-final fixture set for Danie Craven Stadium the following day.
Some in the fraternity have predicted that the winner of the trophy is likely to come from the Chiefs and Pirates match despite Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune having showed some improvement this season.
Stellenbosch beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the previous round while Sekhukhune have proved to be a side that is difficult to beat after not losing to both Chiefs and Pirates so far this season.
The Siya crew spoke to former Jomo Cosmos and Maritzburg United defender Themba Shabalala to preview this year's semi-final fixtures.
The Good
"Talking about the game for Chiefs and Pirates, and I am looking particularly at the form of the two teams, I think Pirates stands a chance to progress to the final. They have been on form, having won six games in a row (in the league, and eight in total). Chiefs have been inconsistent. From Pirates you can't expect only (Terrence) Dzvukamanja to be the one scoring goals as there are different other players who can do that. (Monnapule) Saleng can score, (Thembinkosi) Lorch can score, (Tapelo) Xoki can come in and score, (Thabang) Monare can also score. Talking about Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune, my money is on Stellenbosch because they have been on form. They did very well when they beat Sundowns and have been doing well ever since and (Iqraam) Rayners have been scoring goals for them regularly," said Shabalala.
The Bad
"Compared to the form that Pirates have been enjoying, it is going to be difficult for Chiefs to beat them. In a space of a few days, Chiefs have lost their second game and that's why I believe that it's to be difficult for them to beat Pirates. It's going to take a lot of effort from coach Arthur Zwane to push amajita (the guys) to be at the level he wants them to be. I have mentioned about the different players that can score from Pirates, but at Chiefs who do you expect to score? There have been previous games where Chiefs striker failed to score and they needed set-pieces from players like (Sfiso) Hlanti to create some goalscoring opportunities. Even against Swallows, they were more dangerous on set-pieces, with (Siyabonga) Ngezana creating some chances for them. You can't rely on set-pieces against a team like Pirates that has really good defenders in Xoki and (Nkosinathi) Sibisi among others," he added.
The Ugly
"I know that people have predicting either Chiefs and Pirates to win the final but I can tell you now that my prediction is for Stellenbosch to play Pirates in the final and I think Stellenbosch will then win the final. And I think it's going to be difficult for Sekhukhune to beat Stellenbosch because they have not been on good form. Also, playing in the Western Cape is going make things even difficult for them. Stellenbosch play in transitions and they are a team playing in high tempo and they have hardworking players," the former centre-back said.
It's not going to be easy for Sibisi and Xoki
"For me, Stellenbosch is going to win the cup. From (Junior) Mendieta to Vusi Sibiya and (Sibongiseni) Mthethwa they are all hard workers. I predict Stellenbosch to go to the final with Pirates and it's not going to be easy for Sibisi and Xoki to close those quick players from Stellenbosch," concluded Shabalala.
Do you agree with Shabalala's prediction?
