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| Thomas Cichon © Backpagepix |
The Nedbank Cup last-16 round of the tournament will be played over two weekends starting this Saturday.
The defending Nedbank Cup Champions Moroka Swallows will have their work cut out when they come up against a formidable AmaZulu side that has performed with aplomb in all Cup competitions this season.
This match is scheduled to take place at the Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday night.
The Dube Birds beat MTN 8 champs, Golden Arrows, 2-0 on Saturday to book their place in the last-16, while AmaZulu had to wait for a last-minute winner to beat Maritzburg United courtesy of Bradley Ritson’s solitary strike.
Having lost their previous encounter with Usuthu, Swallows coach Rainer Zobel is far from being uneasy about the prospect of facing the KZN side.
“Yes they beat us 4-0 in the league the last time we played and this is now our chance to avenge that defeat,” said the Swallows chief.
“I’m happy that we are getting this possibility to meet them now, because I feel my team is playing great football at the moment.”
The German mentor was pleased with the performance of young striker Augustine Leonard who scored a brace against Abafana Bes’thende, but was quick to mention that the youngster still needs time to grow and also learn from his peers.
“I’m happy for Leonard, said the former Dinamo Tbilisi coach. “He still has a lot to learn in the game and especially from his teammates who are more experienced than him. Only time will tell how good of a player he is.”
Meanwhile, AmaZulu gaffer Neil Tovey, described the draw as being a tough one and a great challenge for his young side to come up against The Birds.
“It’s a tough draw. Playing Swallows away will not be easy,” said the former Bafana Bafana captain. “This tie will present a tough challenge for my young side, but we’re always ready to match anyone that comes our way.”
The KZN side will welcome the return of defender Warren Bishop and defensive midfielder Thami Sangweni who missed the KZN derby with Maritzburg United due to suspension.
The last-16 fixtures are:
Saturday, April 24
Ajax Cape Town versus Free State Stars – Coetzenburg Stadium, 3pm
Moroka Swallows versus AmaZulu – Dobsonville Stadium at 8:15pm
Sunday, April 25
FC Cape Town versus Kaizer Chiefs – Botshabelo Stadium, 3pm
Jomo Cosmos versus Pretoria University, Rand Stadium, 3pm
Saturday, May 1
Bidvest Wits versus Thanda Royal Zulu, Bidvest Stadium, 3pm
Orlando Pirates versus Als Puk Tawana, Orlando Stadium, 8:15pm
Sunday, May 2
Winners Park versus Black Aces, University of Limpopo, 3pm
Mamelodi Sundowns versus Black Leopards, Rand Stadium, 3pm
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