Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Royal Eagles will be looking to make the most of their maiden Nedbank Cup experience when they face champions SuperSport United in a last-32 encounter at Harry Gwala Stadium.
The National First Division high-fliers have big hopes of promotion as they currently sit in third spot in the South African second tier.
However, they face a tough final 10 matches of the season as they hope to cut a nine-point deficit on runaway leaders Thanda Royal Zulu.
Their second choice will be the play-offs and their primary aim over the remainder of the season will be to consolidate their position.
“Yes it’s no secret we want to win promotion and that is the main objective,” coach Kosta Papic said. “But we have to show respect to this competition.
“It’s a difficult match, but if this club has ambitions of playing in the PSL, then this is a perfect test for us.”
Eagles’ promotion bid has been hampered by consistency, however, with the club winning just two out of their last five games.
Matsatsantsa, meanwhile, are on the other side of inconsistency.
SuperSport have been one of the most steady teams this season with a 3-2 defeat to Sudanese club Al-Ahly Shendy in the CAF Confederation Cup over the weekend being their first in 11 league and cup games.
Coach Stuart Baxter is also expected to ring the changes, meaning there is further cause for optimism for the home side and their fans in Pietermaritzburg.
Kick off is at 19:30.
