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Cape Town - The Last 16 draw of the 2016/17 Nedbank Cup has produced another scintillating line up as the remaining lower league minnows continue their quest for glory.
Giant killers Kwa-Dukuza United and Acornbush United who knocked out more fancied opposition in the last 32, namely Ajax Cape Town and Cape Town City will have another crack at the big guns after being drawn to face current defending Champions SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs respectively.
According to the official PSL website, the Nedbank Cup has over the years afforded teams an opportunity to showcase their skills and 2017 has already duly obliged, marking an excellent start to the ten- year celebrations.
It is the first time since the 2012/13 season, and just the second time in the last 10 years, that two third-tier sides have eliminated top-flight opposition in the Last 32. Aside from the giant-slaying acts, some of the country’s leading sides also flexed their muscles to advance to the second round.
“The Nedbank Cup round of 32 matches has delivered as a key milestone in our 10-year journey of partnering with teams, players and football lovers and other stakeholders to do good. Football is a lot like managing your finances; you must have a goal, work hard towards it, and find the right team to enable you to realise your dreams. The Nedbank Cup continues to give us the opportunity to engage football lovers on how to see money differently and partner with us in achieving 2/3… those goals.” said Group Executive for Marketing, Communications and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank Thulani Sibeko.
The Nedbank Cup has long been an enabler of young talent, providing the platform for previously unknown stars to shine. Orlando Pirates youngster Yusuf Maart made his bow in this year’s competition when he made his professional debut in The Buccaneers’ 3-1 victory over EC Bees. 2016 Ke Yona Team Search Graduates Bongani Mbuli and Akhona Manqola featured in their first Nedbank Cup in the final wrap up matches when their side Cape Town All Stars took on Bidvest Wits.
“Having experienced a glorious start to the 2017 tournament, we look forward to seeing a multitude of humdinger matches and packed stadiums in the round of Last 16” added Sibeko
Marking its fifth consecutive year of making football dreams a reality, the 2017 edition of the Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search is also underway, and entries are currently open to players between the ages of 18 and 23 with a valid South African identity document. To enter for the Ke Yona Team Search, players can simply dial *120*539662# and follow the easy steps.
The Nedbank Cup last 16 matches are scheduled for the week of 05-09 April 2017. Dates, venues and kick-off details will be announced in due course.
Full last 16 draw:
Chippa United v Polokwane City
KwaDukuza United v SuperSport United
Bloemfontein Celtic v Mbombela United
Free State Stars v Orlando Pirates
Jomo Cosmos v Bidvest Wits
Baroka v Platinum Stars
Mamelodi Sundowns v Golden Arrows
Acornbush United v Kaizer Chiefs
