IT IS not raining but pouring for NFD rookies Mthatha Bucks.
As if their league relegation battles are not enough, the Mthatha-based club was yesterday drawn against formidable Cape Town All Stars for the Nedbank Cup qualifiers scheduled for December 15 or 16.
Only eight spots are reserved for NFD clubs in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 scheduled for next year which will also feature all 16 premier league clubs and eight provincial sides.
Bucks will have it tough against All Stars who are currently third on the league standings.
They have in fact already lost to the Cape side in a league match exactly a month ago.
But Bucks coach Velile “Veza” Dyaloyi has welcomed the draw but emphasised that the league remained a priority for them.
The Eastern Cape outfit are yet to win a single match after 12 outings into the NFD 2015-16 campaign and remain at the basement of the log table with a paltry four points courtesy of draws.
Dyaloyi said the Nedbank qualifier would present the senior players who have been warming the bench due to the infamous NFD U23 players policy an opportunity to taste some game time.
“The Nedbank qualifier mainly will provide us with an opportunity to assess seniors players, most of whom have not had much game time,” he said.
“Fortunately in this competition we have a leeway to play whoever we want regardless of their age.
“But above all yes the league and getting out of the relegation zone remains our priority.”
Dyaloyi was optimistic that Bucks will qualify for the Nedbank Cup last 32 and insist it will not distract their focus on the top priority – surviving relegation in the league.
“We have a big squad and all players in our books are here to play, not for a holiday.”
Elsewhere, Durban side Royal Eagles will also be banking on the experience of their senior players when they take on Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup qualifiers.
The two giants recently played to a thrilling two-all draw in a league match.
Richard Makhoba, the Eagles manager, is confident his side can qualify for the Nedbank Cup and believes it will give former PSL stars such as Katlego Mphela, Khethokwakhe Masuku and Raymond Monama an opportunity to show what they can still offer.
“I think we drew Baroka at the right time. We played against them three weeks ago and we played 2-2. We know it’s a cup game and a good thing is that we won’t have the U23 rule.
“We will be able to use our senior players. I believe we have a strong team,” said Makhoba.
Other qualification fixtures:
Vasco da Gama v Mbombela United; Highlands Park v Milano United; AmaZulu v Thanda Royal Zulu; Witbank Spurs v Santos; Moroka Swallows v FC Cape Town and African Warriors v Black Leopards. — Additional reporting by Tshepang Mailwane.
Bucks have mountain to climb in Cup clash
As if their league relegation battles are not enough, the Mthatha-based club was yesterday drawn against formidable Cape Town All Stars for the Nedbank Cup qualifiers scheduled for December 15 or 16.
Only eight spots are reserved for NFD clubs in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 scheduled for next year which will also feature all 16 premier league clubs and eight provincial sides.
Bucks will have it tough against All Stars who are currently third on the league standings.
They have in fact already lost to the Cape side in a league match exactly a month ago.
But Bucks coach Velile “Veza” Dyaloyi has welcomed the draw but emphasised that the league remained a priority for them.
The Eastern Cape outfit are yet to win a single match after 12 outings into the NFD 2015-16 campaign and remain at the basement of the log table with a paltry four points courtesy of draws.
Dyaloyi said the Nedbank qualifier would present the senior players who have been warming the bench due to the infamous NFD U23 players policy an opportunity to taste some game time.
“The Nedbank qualifier mainly will provide us with an opportunity to assess seniors players, most of whom have not had much game time,” he said.
“Fortunately in this competition we have a leeway to play whoever we want regardless of their age.
“But above all yes the league and getting out of the relegation zone remains our priority.”
Dyaloyi was optimistic that Bucks will qualify for the Nedbank Cup last 32 and insist it will not distract their focus on the top priority – surviving relegation in the league.
“We have a big squad and all players in our books are here to play, not for a holiday.”
Elsewhere, Durban side Royal Eagles will also be banking on the experience of their senior players when they take on Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup qualifiers.
The two giants recently played to a thrilling two-all draw in a league match.
Richard Makhoba, the Eagles manager, is confident his side can qualify for the Nedbank Cup and believes it will give former PSL stars such as Katlego Mphela, Khethokwakhe Masuku and Raymond Monama an opportunity to show what they can still offer.
“I think we drew Baroka at the right time. We played against them three weeks ago and we played 2-2. We know it’s a cup game and a good thing is that we won’t have the U23 rule.
“We will be able to use our senior players. I believe we have a strong team,” said Makhoba.
Other qualification fixtures:
Vasco da Gama v Mbombela United; Highlands Park v Milano United; AmaZulu v Thanda Royal Zulu; Witbank Spurs v Santos; Moroka Swallows v FC Cape Town and African Warriors v Black Leopards. — Additional reporting by Tshepang Mailwane.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos