Nedbank Cup: storms stall Arrows; Sekhukhune advance

Nedbank Cup: storms stall Arrows; Sekhukhune advance

Golden Arrows v Orbit College. Photo credit: PSL

Nedbank Cup: storms stall Arrows; Sekhukhune advance

Mother Nature had the final say at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday night, as a severe electrical storm forced the abandonment of the Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash between Golden Arrows and Orbit College.

“Due to inclement weather, the Nedbank Cup fixture between Golden Arrows and Orbit College has been abandoned. A fixture update will be announced in due course,” said the PSL in a brief statement on Saturday night.

And Arrows this morning confirmed the date of the re-start of the game.  “The boys went to halftime in a 1-0 lead last night before the Nedbank Cup match had to be abandoned due to inclement weather,” the club said. “Due to the laws of the game, our match with Orbit College with now be restarted today and kick off is scheduled for 13h00 at King Zwelithini Stadium.”

While the weather stole the headlines in Durban, Sekhukhune United ensured their name was in the hat for the next round, narrowly overcoming Highbury FC in Gqeberha to keep their trophy ambitions alive.

Rain Checks in Umlazi

Abafana Bes’thende appeared to be in total control of their Nedbank Cup encounter against Orbit College, dictating the tempo from the opening whistle. The pressure told in the 28th minute when the visitors conceded a penalty, which Lungelo Nguse converted with composure to give Arrows a 1-0 lead.

However, the celebratory mood was dampened as a light drizzle transformed into a torrential downpour. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the pitch was saturated and the sky was lit by persistent lightning.

Following a safety assessment during the interval, Match Commissioner Buyile Gqubule officially called the game off due to the escalating lightning risk. Under PSL guidelines, the fixture is expected to be rescheduled within the next 48 hours.

Mojela the Hero for Babina Noko In Nedbank Cup

Over in the Eastern Cape, Sekhukhune United faced a stern test from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC. The Premiership outfit took an early lead in the 11th minute through Lehlohonolo Mojela, whose strike proved to be the difference.

Despite Highbury throwing everything at the visitors in search of an equalizer, Sekhukhune’s defensive discipline—a hallmark of their recent campaigns—held firm. The 1-0 victory sees Babina Noko join Orlando Pirates in the Round of 16, as they look to go further than their quarter-final exit last season.

Saturday’s Nedbank Cup Round-Up

It was a day of mixed fortunes and dramatic finishes across the country:

Orlando Pirates showed their class in Durban, cruising to a 4-1 victory over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

Upington City provided the shock of the day, ousting top-flight Magesi FC 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless 120 minutes.

Casric Stars enjoyed a comfortable afternoon, dispatching Army Rockets 3-0.

Jacksa Spears needed extra time to see off Cardinals FC in a six-goal thriller, eventually winning 4-2.

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