Soweto giants avoid each other in semis

PARKTOWN – The Soweto soccer giants avoided each other in the semifinal draw of the Nedbank Cup at the PSL offices in Parktown.

In the first semifinal, Parktown-based outfit Orlando Pirates will travel to KwaZulu-Natal to face Maritzburg United, while Kaizer Chiefs were drawn against Bidvest Wits in the second semifinal.

Dates and venues of the semifinal fixtures are expected to be announced at a later stage, However, the matches were provisionally penciled in for the weekend of 3 May.

This season, the Buccaneers have reached the finals of the MTN8, Telkom Knockout and CAF Champions League. “I said to the players, they know how to reach a final,” said newly appointed coach, Vladimir Vermezovic. “I know how to win a final and then we have to help each other.”

Pirates have so far overcome Thanda Royal Zulu, Santos and Mamelodi Sundowns to reach this stage of the cup competition and will be hoping to go all the way in their last chance of winning a trophy this season. “They made the first step, another step and then it’s my turn,” added Vermezovic.

Soccer enthusiasts will be hoping for a Chiefs vs Pirates Nedbank Cup Final.

Meanwhile, entries are open for prospective footballers in the Ke Yona Talent Search, which aims to unearth undiscovered talent around the country. Aspiring footballers between the ages of 18 – 35 are encouraged to dial *120*539662# and follow the steps.