The Nedbank Cup is heading to the semi-finals with Kaizer Chiefs set to host Orlando Pirates, while Stellenbosch FC will be welcoming Sekhukhune United.
The matches will be played on the weekend of 06 May and the Siya crew has discussed this past weekend's matches with former defender James Mayinga after defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated in Cape Town, while Orlando Pirates were made to sweat for their victory against third tier outfit Dondol Stars.
An own goal and penalty paved the way for Amakhosi to the final after defeating Royal AM, while Chippa United were beaten at home by Sekhukhune United.
The Good
Stellenbosch 2-1 Sundowns
"It was unexpected based on the good form that Sundowns enjoyed for a long time. But if you can look in the previous three games for Sundowns, the results haven't been coming for them. The last time they won convincingly was when they beat Al Ahly and Royal AM. As much as they want to break the records, I don't think it will be easy because their tempo has dropped since they were announced as the champions. I'm not taking anything away from Stellenbosch because they played well. Stellenbosch have been a hoodoo team for Sundowns and if you remember they drew 1-1 with them even in the league. Stellenbosch always perform to the best of their ability against Sundowns," said Mayinga.
Iqraam Rayners' impressive form
"Ever since he returned to Stellenbosch, Iqraam Rayners has been a top performer and a breath of fresh air for the team and he is enjoying the environment he is in. Coach Steve Barker is managing to get the best out of him. He is on 11 goals now and doing well which was highly unlikely at SuperSport United and we need to complement (Junior) Mendieta and (Devin) Titus, as well as the unsung heroes of Stellenbosch in (Ibraheem) Jabaar and (Sibongiseni) Mthethwa in the middle of the park have been marvelous. The reason why Ryaners has been performing is because of these players. These two players (Jabaar and Mthethwa) always boss the midfield and I was glad to see Mthethwa winning the Man of the Match award. Ever since he joined Stellenbosch, he has been a marvel to watch," he said.
Chippa United 1-2 Sekhukhune United
"I was not surprised with the result because their focus was going to be doubled if they progressed in cup and they don't need that right now. As much as they performed, their position on the log is compromising them. They are more worried about relegation than the cup. On the other side, ever since he joined Sekhukhune United, Bandon Truter has been getting the results and has managed to get the best out of the team. His man management and the rotation system he is using is working well for him. I was happy to see Elias Mokwana winning the Man of the Match award. Ever since his days at Platinum City Rovers, I could tell that the boy is a gem but he needed a coach who could believe in him. He performed well and even scored a goal" added Mayinga.
Dondol Stars 4-5 Orlando Pirates
"Thumbs up to Dondol Stars they took everyone by surprise and that's why they say it is a cup of dreams. They lived to the dream of David versus Goliath and if you look at their results since the start of the tournament, they have always come from behind. For me, that says something about this team and their ability and they are not at the top of the ABC Motsepe League in Gauteng by chance. It says something about their readiness for professional football," he said.
Royal AM 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs
"I wasn't surprised by the result and unlucky for Thabo Matlaba for the own goal because I believe he had a wonderful game. Unfortunately, with the opportunity he had on the other side the ball went over the bar. It was a game that was won in the middle of the park. One thing that people need to know is that the pitch at Chatsworth Stadium isn't the same like any other in the country because it's slippery. That also had an impact on the flow of the ball. But overall, it was an interesting game," said Mayinga.
The Bad
"In the match for Chippa and Sekhukhune, I felt that there was a penalty that should have been awarded to (Vusumzi) Mncube. The goalkeeper made contact with the player before the ball. It was similar to the incident that happened in the Chiefs match. Same cameo but different referees. Same side and same position between an attacker and the goalkeeper. Remember the goalkeeper plays with his feet and with his hands and he's got an advantage when the ball is in the air," he said.
The Ugly
"It's the inconsistency in refereeing for me that was the issue otherwise it was a good weekend of football," he added.
Summary
"The big one is the Soweto derby in the semi-finals. I see a lot of people saying that they would have preferred Chiefs and Pirates to play in the semi-finals but that won't be happening after the draw confirmed it to be earlier. It is going to be a spectacle considering that Chiefs have been winning the recent derbies. Once bitten twice shy!" concluded Mayinga.
What's Your Prediction For The Finals?
