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SuperSport viewers on DStv can look forward to riveting football action with the upcoming Nedbank Cup semi-finals starting in May. This season’s Nedbank Cup has been no different to those held in the past although there is something richly familiar about the first semi-final hitting subscriber screens next weekend. It comes in the form of the ageless Soweto Derby: Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 6 May. The football action does not stop there, the very next day features giant-killers Stellenbosch against Sekhukhune United, which in its head-to-head action reflects the great appeal of Cup football, with its ability to turn players into national heroes. As a bonus for DStv viewers, both the Nedbank Cup semi-finals and the final will also be available to DStv Access customers.
This means the Chiefs vs Pirates playoff will be on 6 May at 15:00 and the Stellenbosch vs Sekhukhune United last-four match on 7 May at 18:00. The title decider on 27 May will be available to more viewers than ever before. The action will be broadcast on SuperSports Variety 4, and will additionally be available for streaming via the DStv app.All three matches will enjoy hour-long build-ups by several soccer astute analysts. Chiefs are the most celebrated team in Cup history with more successes in the format, which has existed since 1971, than any other club (13). Pirates, in turn, have won it eight times, most recently in the 2013/14 season. The Chiefs last won the Nedbank Cup the season before. Chiefs are targeting a 20th Nedbank Cup Final with Pirates chasing an 18th outing.
Remarkably, this will be the 21st meeting since the sides first met over two games in the 1971 final. Chiefs have won 10 of the previous 20 Nedbank Cup clashes between the rivals, which includes their 2006 win on penalties. Pirates, meanwhile, have won five with five others ending in a draw. In the modern PSL era, the teams have met four times in the Nedbank Cup, the last time in 2015-16. Pirates won three games in 1996-97, 1997-98 and 2015-16 and Chiefs’ only triumph was in 2005-06, a fixture in which current Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane participated.
Neither Stellenbosch nor Sekhukhune, the two highest-scoring teams in this season’s competition, have hoisted the trophy before, so there is every incentive for them to shoot the lights out next weekend.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is looking to go one better than in 2009 when he led AmaTuks – then a second-tier side – to the final. Sekhukhune recorded the biggest win this season with a 6-0 victory over third-tier Liver Brothers in the round of 32. Stellenbosch, in turn, has been involved in the highest-scoring game in the competition, which produced nine goals (their last-16 6-3 triumph over TS Galaxy). Fittingly, SuperSport’s broadcast plans are sweeping with studio presentations for both matches hosted by award-winning presenter Carol Tshabalala (May 6) and Thomas Mlambo (May 7).
Star former players Amanda Dlamini, Teko Modise, Bongani Khumalo, Jimmy Tau, and Stanton Fredericks will analyse the action for viewers. Julia Stuart will be SuperSport’s touchline presenter at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch with Grant Bisset leading commentary with Phumudzo Manenzhe as analyst. Popular Phumlani Msibi will be a touchline reporter for a production that will include 22 cameras and a drone for a world-class broadcast that aims to showcase the thrilling nature of Cup soccer.No rival can compete with SuperSport’s coverage. Our viewers on DStv can enjoy their favourite football action from around the world. Visit www.dstv.com to subscribe or upgrade and join in on the excitement. And while you’re on the move, you can stream matches on the DStv App.