Highly experienced cup sides, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United, go into the Nedbank Cup semi-finals as favourites against Free State Stars and Baroka FC respectively. But big-game experience could count for little this weekend, as the Nedbank Cup has proven to be a potential hazard for larger clubs on many previous occasions. Soccer Laduma's Siseko Gwegwe takes a look at two of the possible key, individual battles that could decide the outcome of these clashes.
Free State Stars v Orlando Pirates
Tendai Ndoro will feel confident that he will be able to score two goals in two games against Free State Stars, after having clinched the winner in a 1–0 league victory against Stars in April at Orlando Stadium.
The job to stop him could fall to Ea Lla Koto's Justice Chabalala, who will need to be wary of the Zimbabwean, particularly in the spaces outside the big box where Ndoro is most lethal.
Chabalala enjoys playing out from the back, but his most crucial work in this game might need to be done off the ball, as Ndoro is a striker of high quality and intelligent movement.
Chabalala v Ndoro head-to-head
Justice Chabalala has played three games in the Nedbank Cup and the hard tackling defender has a 100 percent success rate in the amount of tackles made, while also geting into 48 aerial duels.
Tendai Ndoro will be looking to beat his man, and with five goals in three games, as well as an assist, he could be the focus point for Pirates.
SuperSport United v Baroka FC
Matsatsantsa's predatory striker, Jeremy Brockie, has shown his intelligence and versatility this season, having played as the target man and as the no. 10.
Baroka's Olaleng Shaku has proven that he has a lot of composure and is able to execute Coach Kgoloko Thobejane's philosophy of playing from the back to start his team's attacks instead of simply hoofing it up field.
Shaku will calm his teammates with his neat passes to the fullbacks and, most importantly, to his midfield general and Baroka's heartbeat, Jacky Motshegwa, while also making certain to close down Jeremy Brockie, exemplifying the notion that 'attack is the best form of defense.
Brockie v Shaku head-to-head
United's prolific striker has a 100 percent success as he played 3 games and has managed to bag in a goal in all those matches. With his 16 shots, it is clear that this is the danger man that Baroka need to lookout for.
Baroka's defender, Onaleng Shaku has an impressive 100 percent success rate with his tackles in the three games, and has won 25 percent of his aerial duels.
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