Weekend Wrap: PSL heavyweights humbled & fan violence incident steals the headlines

This years’ Nedbank Cup finalists are Free State Stars and the Team of Choice, Maritzburg United. The above dumped two of the most successful clubs in South African football who were easily perceived as favorites to win the silverware. The Team of Choice tactically squeezed the life out of the PSL Champions in waiting, Mamelodi Sundowns to ease to a 3-1 victory also gifting the Brazilians their first loss in fifteen matches.

Another uninspiring performance by Kaizer Chiefs saw them losing 2-0 to Free State Stars who now have a chance to capture some silverware after 24 in waiting, should they go past an “awkward” Maritzburg United as described by the Sundowns’ boss, Pitso Mosimane. The Amakhosi loss led inspired an eventful weekend where we witnessed their fans run onto the pitch and cause some scene which many would wish they could be quickly erased from the memories of the beautiful game. The frustrated Chiefs fans were literally shoving down cameras, throwing rubbish on the pitch and chasing down the retreating players and coaching staff from both teams.

As if that was not enough, the end of it all was the resignation of the under-fire Kaizer Chiefs gaffer, Steve Komphela, who hit out at the new generation, describing them as being impatient.

The Chiefs chairman, Kaizer Motaung has issued a statement condemning the unruly scenes that took center stage at Moses Mabhida stadium. The club will still have to appear before a PSL Disciplinary Committee on the 3rd of May 2018. The SA Premier Soccer League has since promised to beef up security at all domestic matches.

Nedbank Semi-Final Preview: Maritzburg United vs Mamelodi Sundowns

The other finalist of this season’s Nedbank cup will be revealed on Sunday after the Team of Choice and the Brazilians go out at each other at the Harry Gwala Stadium. It’s literally the battle of the heavyweights as the two make up the top four of the 2017/18 campaign with the visitors, Sundowns, on the verge of capturing the PSL title. All they need is four points from a possible nine. Maritzburg United would be pleased with their campaign, sitting in third place and definitely have some momentum heading into this match having lost none of their last 10 matches in all competitions.

“It’s not an easy one, you play Maritzburg, I have never seen a team which has an effort like that. They have got lefts and they are awkward, you must analyze the way they play. Swear to god I have never seen a formation like this in my whole life, never, never. They play with two strikers outright. Everybody has their own software of playing. It’s very difficult.”

— Pitso Mosimane, Mamelodi Sundowns Head Coach

Who will be reminded of the taste of losing? Kick-off is at 1pm GMT.