Mamelodi Sundowns were drawn as the host team versus Orlando Pirates for the Nedbank Cup final that will be played in Mbombela Stadium on June 01.
Masandawana reached the final of the Nedbank Cup after beating Stellenbosch FC in a sold-out affair at Danie Craven on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Khuliso Mudau and Thembinkosi Lorch helped Rulani Mokwena’s side to reach their third final of the season. Having already clinched the DStv Premiership title for the seventh time in a row, Sundowns also played in the MTN8 final and African Football League final this season.
PIRATES TO CLASH AGAINST SUNDOWNS FOR NEDBANK CUP HONOURS
Masandawana, as the inaugural AFL champions, failed to win the MTN8 trophy as they lost to Pirates early this term. The eagerly anticipated Ke Yona fina in Nelspruit is expected to be a sold-out contest as the Buccaneers want to defend their title.
Looking at their progress to the final, Sundowns beat la Masia 6-1, and met Maritzburg United before facing the University of Pretoria. In the semis, they visited the Cape Winelands and emerged victorious.
SUNDOWNS TO DETHRONE PIRATES AS NEDBANK CUP CHAMPS?
Changing focus to the Soweto giants, Pirates are on fire in their quest to keep the trophy at home and also quash Sundowns’ hopes of a quadruple.
Coach Jose Riveiro downed teams such as Crystal Lake FC, and Hungry Lions before beating AmaZulu and Chippa United to reach the finals. In what was a sold-out affair in Gqeberha against the Chilli Boys, Pirates scored three compared to one for the hosts.
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As the reigning Wafa Wafa and Ke Yona champion, the Spaniard is also targeting his second trophy of the campaign and his fourth since his arrival at Pirates.
PIRATES AND SUNDOWNS FANS REACT TO NEDBANK CUP DRAW
Sport Plus looked at social media reactions where fans of both sides are excited about the fixture and they are already waiting on the PSL to announce the date for the ticket sales.
@Dr Maheya said: “Masandawana has to beat Orlando Pirates with two goals or more.”
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@Prudent wrote: “I’m from Ghana and a big fan of your (Sundowns) club. Congratulations on making it to the finals of the Nedbank cup. Better luck next season in the Caf CL competition. Keep on doing what you do best.”
@Mphoka Ledimo commented: “Sundowns Fans are Excited about this Game. Heheheeee. @KaizerChiefs We are going to do this For you Guys, just like we did Yesterday with Chippa.”
@Magwala said: “Announce immediately the ticket sale opens. It is a necessity for us to dominate numbers on the stands, dear Ghosts family buy those tickets same day evula. Siyo shake Mbombela.”
@Andile Gwaru wrote: “It’s been a while since we (Pirates) last lost a final and we not planning on losing one. Start training today , 12 hours a day. Khona must pay you guys overtime money
@Doctor101 said: “It is not going to be easy however we are going to emerge victorious. We are Orlando Pirates and we fear fokol.”
@Sergeant Major replied: “Don’t disappoint us. Being knocked out of the Caf was a big disappointment and let’s use this final as consolation. Remember we have a score to settle against Pirates.”
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