THE NEDBANK CUP IS BACK!

Kopano Monaheng

iKhosi alipheli moya! This famous phrase is associated with the glamourboys and they often use it when things are not going their way or results are not forthcoming.

The Phefeni boys will surely pick themselves up from where they left off last year when they defeated the high flying Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Ke Yona Nedbank Cup final in Moses Mabhida, in Durban.

It had taken Amakhosi a full 10 years without winning any silverware, and they don’t want to be in the very same situation again of not winning any cup per season. They will want to make their supporters happy by making sure that they defend their cup.

On Thursday, when the draw was made in Sandton Johannesburg, Amakhosi fans maybe were happy to be pitted against the Stellenbosch FC, the team they have been doing a stellar job against them in both the league and cup matches.

But this time around Stellies has a new coach in the likes of Gavin Hunt and it is not going to be an easy game at all. Hunt knows Amakhosi very well as he once coached them in the past. This makes the fixture even more interesting and everyone is looking up to the matchday.

Will the reining champions come out victorious on the day or Stellenbosch cause an upset? That will be found out after the game which is expected to take place on the second week of February. Kickoff times and dates will be confirmed by the PSL very soon.

Below are all Round of 32 ties:

Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs

Army Rockets vs Casric Stars

Hungry Lions vs AmaTuks

TTM vs Orlando Pirates

Durban City vs Chippa United

Polokwane City vs AmaZulu

SSU M17 FC vs Milford FC

SAFA is yet to announce a team from the Western Cape area that will play against Luthuli Brigades.

FC Cardinals vs Jacksa Spears

Mkhambathi vs Lerumo Lions

Upington City vs Magesi FC