Chiefs face Wits test, United seek revenge – Nedbank Cup

By Motlalepula Maduna

Both Bidvest Wits and Maritzburg United are likely to highly fancy their chances of progressing to the Nedbank Cup final when they host Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates respectively on Saturday.

While the prospect of a Soweto derby final looks more likely and enticing theoretically, if current form is anything to go by then fans and sponsors will have to wait a little longer to witness the 'dream final'.

Bidvest Wits have been menacing this season and look set to be a force to be reckoned with next season. Coach Gavin Hunt has already expressed satisfaction in current league position so much so that he rested key players such as defender Onismor Bhasera and Captain Sibusiso Vilakazi in a midweek league clash against Pirates.

Chiefs' season on the other has been going on a downward spiral and the technical team might rue some decisions taken in the last couple of weeks. Due to the team prioritising the league title first, only thirteen fringe players were sent to Abidjan to play Asec Mimosa in the second leg of the Confederation Cup. Baxter would have therefore hoped for a better display from his rested regulars who could only produce a 1-1 draw against relegation threatened Free-State Stars on Wednesday, further denting any chance of the 'Amakhosi' defending their crown.

Chiefs strike force has, in particular, been lacklustre with the absence of talisman Knowledge Musona. Resting out off-form Bernard Parker against a not so formidable Asec might have not been ideal considering the fact that Musona rediscovered his goal-scoring touch in the Caf Champions league against similar oppositions, a form he then replicated to the local league.

Both Wits and Chiefs will be too familiar with each other having played less than two weeks ago- a game which resulted in Chiefs surrendering their top-spot to Mamelodi Sundowns after a 0-0 draw. The game will be played at the sold- out Bidvest stadium with kick-off scheduled at 15:00.

The other semi-final kick-off at 20:15 to be played at Harry Gwala stadium sees an improved Maritzburg United facing an out of sorts, fatigued lookalike Pirates side. United will still be feeling aggrieved and hard done by the last minute goal they conceded when the two teams met last month in a league encounter, a game in which both coaches admitted to have been using it as a rehearsal for Saturday's clash.

Steve Khomphela has been impressive, and impressed, since taking over the reins at United early this year and would want to make history with the club by reaching the first ever final in the PSL era. His counterpart, Vladimir Vermezovic has experienced a tough time and will be hoping for a much improved display from his troops to reach yet another final this season.