Natal United coach Smart Ndlovu is confident that they will walk out victorious when they take on Golden Arrows on Sunday for their Last 16 Nedbank Cup tie at Chatsworth Stadium. Kick Off is at 3:30pm.
Natal United caused the biggest upset of the previous round when they eliminated PSL top-flight side Chippa United.
The teams played to a goalless draw at Wolfson Stadium in the Eastern Cape, before United won 4-2 on penalties thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Zondi.
Coach Ndlovu said this KZN Derby match will not be easy and they have forgotten about the previous victory and focusing on the match at hand.
“It will not be an easy match at all; Arrows are leading the NFD and are in good form. What's important is for us to focus on our game plan and go for victory,” said Ndlovu.
Natal United campaign in the KZN ABC Motsepe League and are aiming to earn promotion to the NFD for next season. Judging by their performances in the Nedbank Cup this year, such a feat does not seem beyond their reach.
“I know that Arrows are playing good football but we are determined to walk out victorious. Our boys are ready to fight just like how they did against Chippa. If things don’t go according to plan I am most certain that that it will not be big margin,” he said.
Arrows have already ousted neighbours AmaZulu from the competition, having beaten Usuthu 2-1 in the previous round, and they will now come up against another KwaZulu-Natal team as they target a place in the quarterfinals.
Vusumuzi Vilakazi of Golden Arrows said they just need to keep their heads high and not undermine their opponents.
“We are determined for nothing else but a win, but I think they also want to win. I think they are a good side, they managed to knock out Chippa United so this means they are taking this cup seriously,” he said.
Abafana Bes’thende, under the guidance of former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett, have enjoyed a fine 2014/15 season which sees them pushing hard for a return to the top flight, and they will be keen to further underline their credentials with a strong showing in the Nedbank Cup.
“We have good players who are all fit and ready to play. I am sure we will be able to find balance between the league and the cup just like how we did to get here.
“We must forget about the AmaZulu game and focus on the game at hand,” said veteran forward Vilakazi.
Arrows, as both the host and higher ranked team, will start the match as favourites, but they will surely not underestimate the giant-killing abilities of the third-tier team.
Abafana Bes’thende come into the game in fine form, having beaten Garankuwa United 2-0 away from home in a NFD match last weekend.
It extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight matches – little wonder they enjoy a three-point lead at the top of the division.
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