SEDIBENG.- All roads will lead to Johannesburg as local ABC Motsepe League teams Ben 10 FC and Young Pirates FC clash in the Nedbank Cup Preliminary Round at the UJ Sports Ground on Saturday.

This Vaal Triangle derby promises fireworks, with Ben 10 FC making their league debut after being promoted to this South African Football Association (SAFA) second-division league.

Ben 10 FC comes up against their neighbours, Young Pirates FC, who are in their second season in the league. This will be the first official game for the newly appointed Young Pirates FC coach, Issac ‘Ngamla’ Mphasane.

Mphasane was appointed as the club’s coach ahead of the new season.

He came up against the relatively inexperienced Katleho Tau, who defied the odds by taking Ben 10 FC to the ABC Motsepe League.

No one gave him a chance, considering that he was one of the youngest and an inexperienced coach in the SAFA Sedibeng Hollywoodbets Men’s Regional League last season. He helped his team finish as the runner-up in the league, with Boipatong FC finishing at the top of the log.

The two teams automatically gained promotion to the ABC Motsepe League after SAFA decided not to relegate teams at the end of the season.

This means Vaal will have three representatives in the league this season.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Young Pirates FC coach Mphasane said this Saturday’s game against Ben 10 FC will be exciting. He wished the game could have been played in the Vaal since both teams are from this region.

He said it would have been great for local soccer fans rather than travelling to Johannesburg.

“We are looking forward to this game with one thing on our mind: winning. I have no doubt this will be a tough game because we have been playing pre-season friendly matches with them, and I know what to expect from them. They have good players, but we are ready to give our best,” said Mphasane.