Safa sides can aim for history in the Nedbank Cup

The eight amateur teams from the Safa structures in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 will be dreaming of a place in the second round as they take on teams from the professional structures in South Africa’s premier knockout competition.

This year’s Last 32 contains six sides from the ABC Motsepe League and two from the SAB Regional League, all with the intention to showcase their talent to a national audience and write their names into South African football folklore.

The record for the most number of Safa sides in the Last 16 is two, which has happened on five occasions, including in three of the last four years.

There has been at least one Safa club in the second round in every season of the Nedbank Cup since 2008, and the Class of 2019 will hope to maintain that record even if they do have a tough set of fixtures.

Limpopo third-tier side Boyne Tigers take on Johannesburg giants BidVest Wits at the BidVest Stadium on January 23, though it does give them the opportunity for what would be one of the greatest upsets in South African cup history.

Fourth-tier Tshwane University of Technology make the difficult journey to the Western Cape to meet Cape Umoya United at the Athlone Stadium two days later, seeking to become the first side from the SAB Regional League to make the Last 16 over the past 12 seasons.

KwaZulu-Natal ABC Motsepe League side Umvoti FC may fancy their chances when they host National First Division outfit TS Galaxy at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on January 26, with a home draw giving them an edge on the team a division above them.

There is the potential for another giant-killing act later that evening when third-tier Tjakastad Junior Shepard host Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Kanyamazane Stadium in Mpumalanga.

The venue will also see action 24 hours later when Northern Cape fourth-tier side NC Pros travel to the province to meet Mbombela United, while just outside of East London Tornado FC can claim a major scalp when they entertain giants Kaizer Chiefs at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.

The final chance for a surprise will come when Western Cape ABC Motsepe League side The Magic travel to Soweto to meet Maccabi FC at the Dobsonville Stadium on January 29.

While the odds are often stacked against them, the Nedbank Cup provides players from the lower leagues with the opportunity to make a name for themselves and come to the attention of clubs all around the country.

It will be a chance they will be eager to take in 2019, as those who have come before them managed in previous years.

Two sides made the Last 16 in 2018, namely EC Bees and Steenberg United, who both beat fellow Safa teams in the first round.

NUMBER OF SAFA TEAMS INTO THE NEDBANK CUP LAST 16 SINCE 2008

2018 – 2
2017 – 2
2016 – 1
2015 – 2
2014 – 1
2013 – 2
2012 – 1
2011 – 2
2010 – 1
2009 – 1
2008 – 1