The draw for the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals on Saturday saw the big three – Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns – avoid each other at this stage of the tournament.
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But the most interesting one, which everyone will be looking forward to, is Pirates against this edition’s surprise package, Dondol Stars.
Pirates will go up against a Dondol side who have been very impressive in this year’s Ke Yona Cup, with the ABC Motsepe Liga side having beaten two Dstv Premiership sides en route to the last eight.
Dondol started their fine run at Nedbank by beating neighbors SuperSport United 2-1, before beating AmaZulu in the last 16.
The Buccaneers will certainly have a lot to think about going into this clash – they have only played a team outside the top flight on their journey to the quarter-finals.
Pirates met All Stars FC in the first round of the competition, in a close match, but they managed to win the tie 2-0.
They were then paired against Venda Football Academy (VFA), where they also found it difficult to beat the lower league team. Against the team from Limpopo, Pirates struggled so much that they had to rely on an extra time goal from Thembinkosi Locrh to get through.
Intensity
Head coach Jose Riveiro knows the intensity when it comes to matches against smaller teams and he expects Dondol to come out with guns blazing.
“It will be as difficult as the previous game for us. We know that they did not come here by chance,” said Riveiro after the draw was held at the SuperSport studio in Johannesburg.
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“We play a team that doesn’t play in the same division as us, so they will be motivated to play against us.”
For Dondol coach Vincent Rammoni, this is another test for his team.
“Pirates are a great team, they have a rich history,” Rammoni said.
Nedbank Cup quarter-final draw:
Dondol Stars v Orlando Pirates
Stellenbosch FC v Mamelodi Sundowns
Royal AM v Kaizer Chiefs
Chippa United v Sekhukhune United