TTM dream of Nedbank Cup
Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila beat Mukondeni Young Chiefs 1–0 to top Stream A in Limpopo’s Nedbank Cup qualifiers and advance to the provincial final.
LIMPOPO – The road to the 2025 Nedbank Cup has officially kicked off for Limpopo’s ABC Motsepe League teams, with four hopeful clubs clashing for the chance to represent the province in South Africa’s premier knockout tournament.
Often dubbed South Africa’s “FA Cup”, the Nedbank Cup brings together 32 teams, 16 from the Premier Soccer League (PSL), eight from the National First Division (NFD), and eight from the ABC Motsepe League.
For amateur and semi-professional teams, it offers a rare chance to share the stage with giants like Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, along with a minimum participation fee of R280 000.
TTM survive tense semifinal and edge the final
Stream A teams, Mukondeni Young Chiefs, Tzaneen United, Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), and Vondwe XI Bullets, competed at the Homu Sports Centre on Saturday in tightly contested matches.
Mukondeni Young Chiefs advanced to the final after edging Tzaneen United 1–0, thanks to solid defensive work and composed midfield play. Meanwhile, TTM scraped past Vondwe XI Bullets in a dramatic 5–4 penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw.
In the final, TTM clinched a narrow 1–0 win over Mukondeni Young Chiefs to top Stream A and move one step closer to Nedbank Cup qualification. However, their performance drew criticism from spectators who felt the team lacked flair and conviction.
Fans divided over TTM’s narrow victory
TTM’s winning goal was shrouded in controversy. A mishandled shot by the Young Chiefs’ goalkeeper, who misjudged a ball that hit the post and fumbled it over the line, was ruled a goal by the referee. Beyond that fortunate moment, TTM struggled to threaten, with their opponents enjoying most of the possession.
“They’re not a team to bank your last cash on,” remarked one fan, echoing the general sentiment that TTM’s success was more due to luck than dominance.
Despite the criticism, TTM’s ability to grind out results may prove valuable in a tournament known for unpredictable upsets. The Nedbank Cup has a rich history of underdog stories, and while TTM’s performances have been unconvincing, they remain in contention for a spot in the national competition.
TTM will now face the Stream B winner in the Limpopo provincial final. The winner of that playoff will earn the province’s sole place in the 2025 Nedbank Cup last 32, where they will meet top-tier professional opposition.
While a date for the final playoff is yet to be confirmed, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For TTM, the dream of national recognition remains alive, fhowever fortunate their journey has been so far.
