NEDBANK CUP Preview

Teams will be aiming to join SuperSport United and Stellenbosch in the Quarter-final stage after those teams qualified midweek. The weekend sees all the big three teams play at home, with defending champions Orlando Pirates welcoming Baroka to their home, while Kaizer Chiefs take on Chippa later on the same day.

Sundowns round off the scheduled matches with a tie against Mpheni Home Defenders. Our Betting Notebook brings you the context ahead of the weekend

Pirates v Baroka

Date: Saturday, 15 February 2025
Kickoff: 15:00
Venue: Orlando Stadium

The defending Nedbank Cup champions need a pick-me-up result following their 4-1defeat to Sundowns in the league this past weekend. A home game against a lower-division side would be just what the doctor ordered.

For fans, there are haunting memories of the 2018 Telkom Knockout final that Baroka won on penalties. But that was a long time ago – Innocent Maela is the only starter from that defeat still at the club today. Plus, the Buccaneers tend to raise their game in this particular tournament.

12 – This is Pirates’ 12th game under Jose Riveiro in this competition, and they remain unbeaten (P11W10 D1 where they won the shootout).

Bet to progress: Pirates
Value Bet: Over 2.5 goals

Kaizer Chiefs v Chippa

Date: Saturday, 15 February 2025
Kickoff: 18;00
Venue: FNB Stadium

Chiefs have been hit by a few injuries in their camp and the recent rumours surrounding the impending departure of defender Thatoyaone Ditlhokwe. This, and the recent head-to-head record in this tie, could make it a very close fixture.

Yet, this increasingly looks like Chiefs’ last hope of silverware this season. The last eight fixtures have seen Chiefs win four, Chippa three, and one draw. Having said that, the Chilli Boys have blown hot and cold in recent games and their record in the last 10 games reads: L-D-W-L-L-D-W-L-W-L

2 – This is the third meeting between the sides in Cup competition, and Chiefs have progressed in each of the last two.

Bet to progress: Chiefs
Value Bet: Under 2.5 goals

Sundowns v Mpheni Home Defenders

Date: Sunday, 16 February 2025
Kickoff: 15:00
Venue: Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium

Last season’s beaten finalists have enjoyed a favourable draw in the first two rounds of the competition, facing non-top-flight opposition in back-to-back games. Downs are meeting non-top-flight opposition in this competition (BobSave/ABSA/Nedbank) for the 32nd time – more than any other top-flight side.

They have progressed on 29 of the 31 previous occasions, and we expect them to do the same here. They are heavy favourites for the win, and things could get ugly should they get their goals early.

66 – Downs have scored 66 goals this season, more than any other side.

Bet to progress: Sundowns
Value Bet: Over 4.5 goals in the game