Nedbank Cup quarter-finals: KZN derby and giant-killers take centre stage

The Nedbank Cup quarter-final weekend of March 7 carries added spice, with an all-KwaZulu-Natal derby setting the tone as Golden Arrows welcome Durban City in a clash where familiarity removes fear and expectation weighs heavy on the hosts.

Arrows may enter the tie as favourites, but there is little appetite for complacency. Midfielder Velemseni Ndwandwe was quick to underline the threat posed by a Durban City side that has grown with every passing round.

“Durban City is a good team and they have a good team as well as a good keeper in Darren Keet,” Ndwandwe said. “The team is growing and so is the experience and the confidence so the mission for us is to just get the job done on the day.”

Durban City arrive with momentum and belief, knowing that cup football often rewards courage over reputation. 

For Arrows, the task is to impose their quality early and avoid being dragged into an emotional scrap where fine margins decide everything.

Elsewhere, confidence is flowing even stronger at Casric Stars, who head into their quarter-final against AmaZulu carrying the biggest scalp of the tournament. 

Casric stunned Orlando Pirates in the previous round, a result that has emboldened their belief and tightened bonds within the squad.

“That win has brought about great confidence and a brotherhood in the camp so this game against AmaZulu will be the same, we are going there for the kill,” said the Casric captain, setting the tone for a fearless approach against Premiership opposition.

AmaZulu, however, remain a side in rhythm. With a youthful rebuild gathering pace and the club still alive on multiple fronts, Usuthu understand that cup progress now demands composure as much as intensity.

In Limpopo, Sekhukhune United host Milford FC, a meeting between top-flight structure and lower-league freedom. Milford’s journey has been fuelled by discipline and daring, while Babina Noko will rely on control and game management. Rounding off the last eight, TS Galaxy face Jacksa Spears, with Galaxy eager to prove that their recent giant-killing exploits are no accident.

With the traditional heavyweights already out of the picture, the Nedbank Cup now belongs to belief. One weekend, four ties, and only conviction will separate contenders from casualties.

* Smiso Msomi is Independent Media's senior football reporter and host of the Monday Review on our YouTube channel The Clutch