Nedbank Cup: Highlands vs Sundowns the pick of the quarterfinals

Another giant of South African football is heading to Makhulong Stadium, with Highlands Park drawn against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals.

The Lions of the North saw off one of the pre-tournament favourites, Kaizer Chiefs in the Round of 16, beating them on penalties to book a spot in the last eight.

Highlands Park draw Mamelodi Sundowns in quarterfinals 

The draw for the quarterfinals took place on Tuesday night, with the fixtures set to take place on the weekend beginning on 14 March.

Out of the four match-ups, there are two all Premiership clashes with the one in Thembisa undoubtedly the pick of the lot.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane anticipates a tough outing against Owen da Gama’s men.

Highlands Park are a tough team,” Mosimane admits.

“You need to be in good physical shape to play Highlands Park and you don’t need to go 120 minutes with Highlands Park.

“They are a tough team, especially at home, at their place.

“It’s not a nice place to go because not many people come back with a victory there.

“Tembisa is not an easy place to go, that’s why not many people come back from that place. They are a strong team.

“They just won a big game now in the Nedbank through penalties. We need to be mentally ready more than anything. They have good players like Peter Shalulile and Lindo Mbatha.”

Pitso Mosimane

The other match featuring only top-flight sides is the Limpopo Derby between Baroka and Black Leopards.

Both teams beat amateur sides on their way to the quarterfinals, and are set to square off with Bakgakga billed as hosts for the encounter likely to take place at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Bidvest Wits, champions in 2010, have what looks like an easy fixture on paper, as they have been drawn against one of the two lower league sides left standings.

The Students will be away to Championship outfit Real Kings, after easing past Chippa United in the Last 16.

Another team travelling to face a first-division outfit is Bloemfontein Celtic, who are up against TS Sporting.

The venues and kick-off times will be confirmed at a later date. 

Nedbank Cup quarterfinals 

TS Sporting v Bloemfontein Celtic

Baroka FC v Black Leopards

Real Kings v Bidvest Wits

Highlands Park v Mamelodi Sundowns