By Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
The Gauteng Provincial Government has welcomed the announcement of the return of the Nedbank Cup back to the province since its last hosting back in the year 2020. The Premier Soccer League announced this week that the Loftus Versfeld Stadium would play hosts to the final of the Ke Yona Tournament.
The Orlando Stadium was the last venue for the Nedbank Cup Final almost four years ago. Nedbank Cup, which has made itself well-known for its unpredictable wins and knockout matches, pits topflight clubs against grassroots clubs, where losers are eliminated until there are only two teams in the final.
This year’s instalment has already seen DSTV Premiership clubs like SuperSport United being booted out of the tournament by lower division side Dondol Stars in the early stages, meanwhile newly crowned PSL Champions, Mamelodi Sundowns have also been shown the door.
All roads will meanwhile lead to the FNB Stadium on Saturday where Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs will tussle against old-time rivals Orlando Pirates in the first semi-final match of the Ke Yona challenge. Kick-off is at 3pm, and while the PSL is yet to announce the ticket sales figures, many are expected to congregate at the Calabash.
The second match of the semis will be between Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United on Sunday at the Danie Craven Stadium at 6pm. Winners of these two fixtures will then stage the final in the City of Tshwane.
Speaking through a statement released on Wednesday, Gauteng Pemier Panyaza Lesufi, said that the decision to host the Nedbank Cup Final in Gauteng demonstrated the province’s ability to attract and host major events. The Premier further said that this was proof that the province had ample world class sporting facilities and all other requirements needed to host major events.
Lesufi, who joined Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday for their pre-match Media Open Day said, “This is one of the sporting events that we take pride in hosting as the Gauteng province. We hope the final will see one if the Gauteng soccer teams hoist the cup and cement our status as the home of champions.
The Finale will be on the 27th of May 2023.