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Nedbank Cup: Sundowns win away at plucky Stellenbosch to secure final berth against Pirates

Nedbank Cup: Sundowns win away at plucky Stellenbosch to secure final berth against Pirates
Tashreeq Matthews and Peter Shalulile (Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
Tashreeq Matthews and Peter Shalulile (Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

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05 May 18:36

Treble still on! Sundowns show steel to set up tasty Nedbank Cup final with Pirates
READ our full match report HERE.

05 May 17:04

Mamelodi Sundowns will face Orlando Pirates in the final of the Nedbank Cup after they came away with a 2-1 victory over Stellenbosh FC in Stellenbosch on Sunday.

Sundowns opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Khuliso Mudau before extending their lead to 2-0 in the 74th minute when Thembinkosi Lorch scored.

Stellenbosch, however, clawed a goal back in the 81st minute through Genino Palace, leaving Sundowns with a nervy few minutes to hold onto their lead and secure the win.

Sundowns will now face Pirates in the final on 1 June at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

05 May 14:53

The calm before the storm ... fans flooding the stands with SuperSports Phumlani Msibi getting into the zone!

- Tashreeq Vardien

<p>The calm before the storm ... fans flooding the stands with SuperSports Phumlani Msibi getting into the zone!</p><p>- Tashreeq Vardien</p>

05 May 14:49

"Midnight Express" the one and only Herman Mkhalele, assistant Bafana Bafana coach alongside head coach Hugo Broos, who are seated with pen and pads as well.

The men's senior national team will assemble at the end of the season for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Nigeria in June.

- Tashreeq Vardien

<p>"Midnight Express" the one and only Herman Mkhalele, assistant Bafana Bafana coach alongside head coach Hugo Broos, who are seated with pen and pads as well. </p><p>The men's senior national team will assemble at the end of the season for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Nigeria in June.</p><p>- Tashreeq Vardien</p>

05 May 14:45

You know them well. You hear them all the time. SuperSports favourite commentary duo Mark "Football Encyclopedia" Gleeson and William "Always Smiling" Shongwe.

- Tashreeq Vardien

<p>You know them well. You hear them all the time. SuperSports favourite commentary duo Mark "Football Encyclopedia" Gleeson and William "Always Smiling" Shongwe.</p><p>- Tashreeq Vardien</p>

05 May 14:37

"Ikkie (Iqraam Rayners), jy moet goals score vandag (Ikkie you must score goals today)," said one enthusiastic fan as the current DStv Premiership top goal scorer (14 goals) walked by towards the tunnel. Rayners response, "Ek will julle hoer vandag". (I want to hear you in the stands).

- Tashreeq Vardien

<p>"Ikkie (Iqraam Rayners), jy moet goals score vandag (Ikkie you must score goals today)," said one enthusiastic fan as the current DStv Premiership top goal scorer (14 goals) walked by towards the tunnel. Rayners response, "Ek will julle hoer vandag". (I want to hear you in the stands).</p><p>- Tashreeq Vardien</p>

05 May 14:08

A wave to the surrounding community kids looking to catch a glimpse of the Tshwane giants at the entrance. Rhulani Mokwena is laser focused and was the last to get off the bus. The reason behind that is that each player and staff member gets a warm hug and embrace - just something extra to set the tone for a semi-final.

- Tashreeq Vardien

<p>A wave to the surrounding community kids looking to catch a glimpse of the Tshwane giants at the entrance. Rhulani Mokwena is laser focused and was the last to get off the bus. The reason behind that is that each player and staff member gets a warm hug and embrace - just something extra to set the tone for a semi-final.</p><p>- Tashreeq Vardien</p>

05 May 14:01

As always, Steve Barker is smiling and exudes an optimistic aura as he leads his troops off the bus. There's not much to say, but "Good afternoon," as he surely hopes it will be for the Maroons.

- Tashreeq Vardien

<p>As always, Steve Barker is smiling and exudes an optimistic aura as he leads his troops off the bus. There's not much to say, but "Good afternoon," as he surely hopes it will be for the Maroons.</p><p>- Tashreeq Vardien</p>

05 May 13:54

The iconic Danie Craven Stadium will be filled to its capacity today. 16 000 passionate football fans will sit under the Stellenbosch sunshine and breeze for what is expected to be a thrilling match. The winners will take on Orlando Pirates after their 3-1 victory against Chippa United.

- Tashreeq Vardien

<p>The iconic Danie Craven Stadium will be filled to its capacity today. 16 000 passionate football fans will sit under the Stellenbosch sunshine and breeze for what is expected to be a thrilling match. The winners will take on Orlando Pirates after their 3-1 victory against Chippa United.</p><p>- Tashreeq Vardien</p>

05 May 10:53

Kick-off is at 15:00 at Danie Craven Stadium ***

05 May 10:52

The cost of Sundowns' success: 'I don't think that my son knows me that much,' says Terrence Mashego

"Mamelodi Sundowns' success in the last decade has turned its players into millionaires and made their supporters the real happy people but at a high cost. Sundowns' players share 100% of the prize money they get from winning a trophy, thanks to the policy club owner and billionaire Patrice Motsepe put in place when he bought the club in the early 2000s. His mantra was that the team must bring the trophy to him and keep the money, which has resulted in the players splitting millions of rands, thanks to their dominance in the last decade..."

<p><strong>The cost of Sundowns' success: 'I don't think that my son knows me that much,' says Terrence Mashego</strong></p><p><em>"Mamelodi Sundowns' success in the last decade has turned its players into millionaires and made their supporters the real happy people but at a high cost. Sundowns' players share 100% of the prize money they get from winning a trophy, thanks to the policy club owner and billionaire Patrice Motsepe put in place when he bought the club in the early 2000s. His mantra was that the team must bring the trophy to him and keep the money, which has resulted in the players splitting millions of rands, thanks to their dominance in the last decade..."</em></p>
CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE!

05 May 10:51

Nedbank Cup showdown: 'Godfather' Barker's soaring Stellenbosch cause for wary Sundowns

"Stellenbosch is renowned for cultivating some of South Africa's finest grapes, which are then transformed into exquisite wines through meticulous processing. The Cape Winelands also boast a rich rugby culture, nurturing talented players who go on to represent top clubs both locally and internationally, with aspirations to eventually wear the prestigious Springbok jersey if fortune smiles upon them. The same blueprint has blessed the region's burgeoning football scene, with Stellenbosch FC flourishing amid the lush greenery of this picturesque locale. Eight years after acquiring Vasco da Gama's National First Division (NFD) status, relocating the club from Parow, and then renaming the team, the Maroons are seeking a cup double in only their fourth season in South Africa's top-flight..."

<p><strong>Nedbank Cup showdown: 'Godfather' Barker's soaring Stellenbosch cause for wary Sundowns</strong></p><p><em>"Stellenbosch is renowned for cultivating some of South Africa's finest grapes, which are then transformed into exquisite wines through meticulous processing. The Cape Winelands also boast a rich rugby culture, nurturing talented players who go on to represent top clubs both locally and internationally, with aspirations to eventually wear the prestigious Springbok jersey if fortune smiles upon them. The same blueprint has blessed the region's burgeoning football scene, with Stellenbosch FC flourishing amid the lush greenery of this picturesque locale. Eight years after acquiring Vasco da Gama's National First Division (NFD) status, relocating the club from Parow, and then renaming the team, the Maroons are seeking a cup double in only their fourth season in South Africa's top-flight..."</em></p>
CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE!

05 May 10:49

Stellenbosch doing just fine 'under the radar' in dimming the shine of Soweto's PSL darlings

"While the spotlight may have eluded them, the upward trajectory of Stellenbosch FC has quietly become the season's underappreciated storyline - a narrative head coach Steve Barker embraces without hesitation. Undoubtedly, the Premier Soccer League's (PSL) triumvirate of Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs commands the lion's share of media attention and holds sway over the South African football community."

<p><strong>Stellenbosch doing just fine 'under the radar' in dimming the shine of Soweto's PSL darlings</strong></p><p><em>"While the spotlight may have eluded them, the upward trajectory of Stellenbosch FC has quietly become the season's underappreciated storyline - a narrative head coach Steve Barker embraces without hesitation. Undoubtedly, the Premier Soccer League's (PSL) triumvirate of Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs commands the lion's share of media attention and holds sway over the South African football community."</em></p>
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE!

05 May 10:44

'From crushing grapes to crushing Africa': Barker's dream for Stellenbosch FC is taking shape

"Even if you tried, the steadfastness of Stellenbosch FC in South Africa's top flight cannot be ignored. A glance at the DStv Premiership log will show Stellies in second place on 31 points and, more significantly, ahead in the pecking order of the country's most recognised names: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Moroka Swallows and SuperSport United. They have not looked back since billionaire company Remgro Limited and the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) joined forces to acquire the National First Division (NFD) status of Vasco Da Gama in 2016..."

<p><strong>'From crushing grapes to crushing Africa': Barker's dream for Stellenbosch FC is taking shape</strong></p><p><em>"Even if you tried, the steadfastness of Stellenbosch FC in South Africa's top flight cannot be ignored. A glance at the DStv Premiership log will show Stellies in second place on 31 points and, more significantly, ahead in the pecking order of the country's most recognised names: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Moroka Swallows and SuperSport United. They have not looked back since billionaire company Remgro Limited and the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) joined forces to acquire the National First Division (NFD) status of Vasco Da Gama in 2016..."</em></p>
TO READ FULL ARTICLE ... CLICK HERE!

05 May 10:37

WELCOME!

LIVE scoring and commentary of the Nedbank Cup semi-final between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.

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0'
Stellies Subs: Stephens, Mcaba, Sibande, Mgaga, Jurgens, Van Wyk, Palace, Boji, Colley.
0'
Stellies: Masuluke, Toure, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Moloisane, Nduli, Adams, De Jong, Oura, Titus, Rayners.
0'
Sundowns Subs: Onyango, Mvala, Modiba, Mkhulise, Mbule, Lorch, Esquivel, Nku, Morena.
0'
Lineups for the game are as follows: Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Lunga, Coetzee, Kekana, Aubaas, Allende, Zwane, Matthews, Ribeiro, Shalulile.
0'
However, Stellies promise to be no easy pushovers for Masandawana. Steve Barker's side have been one of the success stories of this season. They won the Carling Knockout Trophy which was their first ever major trophy. They are also on course to qualify for continental football next season for the first time in their history.
0'
Given that they recently officially won the DSTV Premiership for a seventh consecutive time, Sundowns will be the pre-match favourites to win this game.
0'
Hello and welcome to our coverage of the Nedbank Cup semi-finals as Stellenbosch FC prepare to host Sundowns at the Danie Craven Stadium in the Western Cape.
1'
The game is underway.
4'
Shalulile works in an early shot which is blocked.
7'
Sundowns are in total control of the early stages of the game. They have had 76% ball possession so far while Stellies have had 24%.
9'
Lunga gets an early yellow card.
12'
GOAL! Sundowns! Mudau! Sundowns attack well and make space before Mudau finishes well from close range! Stellies 0-0 Sundowns.
15'
Basadien delivers a low corner. Stellies appeal for a handball and penalty but the ref waves play on.
18'
Shalulile tries to chase down a through ball from Lunga. It goes out of play.
21'
Allende is running matters in the middle for Sundowns while Adams is doing the same for Stellies.
23'
Adams is presented with a yellow card.
26'
There is a stoppage in play as linesman Zakhele Siwela looks to have picked up an injury.
28'
Sundowns make a change as Lunga is replaced by Morena.
31'
There is yet another delay as the officials plan to replace the injured linesman Siwela.
34'
There have already been significant delays in this game so we can expect a lot of stoppage time.
37'
Play finally gets back underway as the injured linesman is replaced.
40'
Offside! Basadien finds Rayners with a free-kick who finds the back of the net. However, it won't count as Rayners is judged to have been offside.
43'
Mudau floats in a cross but it goes over the head of Shalulile and Sundowns lose possession.
45'
+13 Half Time: Stellenbosch 0-1 Sundowns. In a half filled with stoppages, Sundowns were the better side and deservedly enter the break with the lead. However, Stellies did attack and are still alive in this contest.
45'
+11 Maloisane gets a yellow card for a challenge on Ribeiro.
45'
+9 Mudau tries to pick out Matthews but his pass was too strong as the ball goes out.
45'
+6 Morena plays the ball to Coetzee as Sundowns look to play out the ball from the back.
45'
+3 Sundowns are circulating the ball with Shalulile waiting on the shoulder of Van Rooyen.
45'
There will be 13 minutes of first half stoppage time.
46'
The second half is underway.
49'
The pressure is now on Stellies to get a goal if they want to keep alive their chances of winning a second trophy this season.
51'
Shalulile whips in a cross which goes over the top and out of play.
54'
Lorch tries to probe in the Stellies area but Maloisane wins the ball away from him.
57'
Rayners is brought down by Aubaas. Stellies have a free-kick.
60'
Rayners is flagged for offside.
63'
Stellies play the ball back. Masuluke punts the ball forward, looking for Basadien.
66'
Lorch loses possession for Sundowns as he is penalized for a handball.
69'
Rayners plays the ball into the Sundowns danger area. Oura could not get to the ball as Williams grabs it before him.
72'
Lorch clears away danger for Sundowns as Van Rooyen and Ribeiro are on the ball for Stellies.
74'
GOAL! LORCH! SUNDOWNS! Sundowns breakaway and Lorch beats Masuluke from close range. Stellies 0-2 Sundowns.
77'
Penalty to Sundowns!
79'
Miss! Shalulile skies his penalty over the bar.
81'
GOAL! STELLIES! Stellies breakaway and Palace is one on one with Williams. He beats the Sundowns keeper after being setup by Van Wyk. Stellies 1-2 Sundowns.
84'
Titus looked to press forward. Kekana made a good defensive intervention to win the ball away from him.
87'
It's now Stellies who are doing all the attacking while Downs are mainly sitting back and trying to preserve their lead.
90'
+4 Full Time: Stellies 1-2 Sundowns. Stellies fought hard but in the end it is Sundowns who advance to the final of this season's Nedbank Cup. Masandawana will meet Orlando Pirates in the final of the competition.
90'
+1 Sundowns lose possession as Shalulile is flagged for offside.
90'
There will be four minutes of second half stoppage time.
Stellenbosch FC
Stellenbosch FC
Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns
1
Goal Scorers
2
81' Genino Palace
11' Johnson Mu...
74' Lorch Them...
0
Yellow Cards
0
0
Red Cards
0
0
Squad
0
0
Reserves
0