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Johannesburg - National First Division (NFD) side Jomo Cosmos will be hoping to continue their recent unbeaten run when they clash with Ubuntu Cape Town FC in the Nedbank Cup on Wednesday.
The highly anticipated preliminary encounter will take place at Vosloorus Stadium.
Cosmos had not lost in their last three NFD games before this weekend’s round of matches.
They drew two and beat Mbombela United 4-1 last month in those three matches. Their draws were against Stellenbosch FC and Witbank Spurs.
Last season, Cosmos were the furthest proceeding NFD side in the Nedbank Cup, finally succumbing 1-0 to Chippa United in the quarterfinals.
Ubuntu registered their maiden NFD win against Mthatha Bucks a fortnight ago.
Spring surprises
They have since lost in a Cape Town derby against Cape Town All Stars, which left them still languishing at the bottom of the log.
“We will try to get as far as we can, but you know cup competitions can distract you,” said Cosmos assistant coach Siza Dlamini.
He said they were caught in the dilemma of having to choose between doing well in the Nedbank Cup or concentrating on the league in a bid to get promotion to the Absa Premiership.
“Getting promoted to the elite league makes it better for the players and the team when it comes to finances,” he added.
“Playing Ubuntu becomes a problem as cup games can spring surprises,” the former Cosmos striker said.
Cosmos were second on the log before this weekend’s fixtures.
“If you look at our performances over the past few seasons, we are usually around position 12 or 13 around this time, but this year we want to be in the top four by Christmas.”
There are eight NFD Nedbank Cup games in all.
