After third-tier side Dondol Stars produced the first upset of this season's Nedbank Cup when they eliminated SuperSport United last week, there were no further surprises on Saturday, with favourites managing to dispatch minnows.
Premiership outfit Golden Arrows booked their slot in the last 16 by beating Motsepe Foundation Championship's Pretoria Callies 2-1 in Durban. Abafana Bes'thende came from a goal down to bag the victory in a game where the Tshwane side took the lead as early as the 15th minute, thanks to Siyabonga Dubula. Kamogelo Mogaswa's own goal five minutes into the second stanza levelled matters and sent the game to extra time, before Knox Mutizwa netted the winner in the 113th minute.
Second-tier Venda Football Academy also lived up to their favourites tag, beating the Free State's ABC Motsepe League side Black Cross 2-1 away. Premiership side Stellenbosch thumped fellow big boys Swallows 3-0 at home courtesy of Iqraam Rayner’s brace and Vusi Sibiya's strike.
On Friday, Kaizer Chiefs gave themselves a chance to end their seven-year trophy drought when they managed to outwit Maritzburg United 2-0 after extra time in Pietermaritzburg, where the Team of Choice skipper Travis Graham was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Chiefs' youngster Mduduzi Shabalala in the 38th minute.
Christian Saile Basomboli and Ashley du Preez were on target for the Soweto side. Amakhosi mentor Arthur Zwane was thrilled that both his marksmen found the back of the net.
"The good thing is both our strikers scored. Christian is a soldier of note and we expect more from him. He's got this never-say-die attitude and that's what we want. He never stops running and he never stops working hard on and off the ball. That's why he ended up scoring,'' said Zwane.
Zwane reckons Du Preez's morale will be lifted after scoring, having been missing a lot of chances and incurring the wrath of the fans. "I am happy for Ash. I wanted to see Ash scoring to boost his confidence. I think he also played very well. He was chasing on and off the ball... he did tremendously well,'' noted Zwane.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.