The Nedbank Cup Last 32 has come and almost gone, with the last four fixtures of the round scheduled to take place today (Wednesday), and it has not been without surprises and upsets.
The knockout competition has always been billed as a ‘David v Goliath’ event as 16 of the lower division teams face off with 16 Absa Premiership sides to battle it out for the main prize, the whopping R7m and the accompanying trophy.
Living up to its bill, the 2017/18 tournament has already seen Polokwane City surprisingly eliminated by National First Division side, Ubuntu Cape Town FC, while other lower division sides gave their more fancied opposition a run for their money. If the first round is anything to go by, more Goliaths are going to be eliminated by the Davids.
Soccer Laduma and PepCell reflect on the supporters’ reaction to the tournament so far. Here's what they had to say:
"We had to grind a result against the smallanyana team, well it’s ok we are moving forward. Well done to All Stars, they didn’t make things easy for us." - Submitted by: Schakos
"We controlled the game nicely, although silly mistakes nearly cost us. We created chances but could not capitalise. Towards the end of each half, Downs showed experience. We scored a goal and kept a clean sheet. As far as I know “giants” do not keep clean sheets against First Division teams, your Malutis and FC Cape Towns to name a few." - Submitted by: mitchvich
"To be realistic, as far as I can analyse football in our country, Tau and Billiat are the only sharpest players in our League. I am the BUCSBOSS but I can tell the truth. #UPTHEBUCS." Submitted by: The Bucsboss
"Yes, Brockie is not under pressure he is under pleasure, but this is the longest time in the PSL with him not scoring a goal. Maybe Downs don’t know how to supply him." - Submitted by: SkeemSa HDK
"The University of Orlando Pirates is back in full swing. Please, guys, welcome me back, I was lost but now I’m found... #Bucsbybirth." - Submitted by: Blessed Sai
"The kind of football Orlando Pirates Football Club is playing under Micho is marvellous. Teams are gonna be trapped this season and the coming seasons we play free-flowing Futbol, reminds me of Papic’s era and now we can score. Happy days are slowly but surely coming back. #uptheBucs." - Submitted by: Nhlpato
From the comments above, it seems like the supporters will be looking forward to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup fixtures.
