The 16 teams from the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) have learnt their fate as they gear up for the opening stages of this year’s campaign.
The draw for the MFC Nedbank Cup qualification fixtures were revealed during a draw that took place at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) headquarters on Wednesday afternoon.
The qualification stage will see teams from NFD battle it out to secure a place in the main competition, which sees all 16 PSL, 8 MFC and 8 teams from the amateur ranks (ABC Motsepe League) enter the main draw of 32 teams.
While many formats have been used over the years, this tournament has always been based on the idea of giving lower league and amateur teams a chance to compete with clubs from the top league.
Over the years the Nedbank Cup has been a marketing tool for players and coaches in the lower ranks, so the competition is always interesting to follow.
Last season MFC teams didn’t have a good run in the tournament as only 3 teams Cape Town Spurs, Casric Stars and Venda Football Club made it past the first phase, but their campaigns ended in the round of 16 as they were all eliminated.
Without putting any pressure, attention will be on debutants Orbit College FC, from the North West province, which have occupied the summit of the table for 10 weeks.
Orbit College will take on JDR Stars, Milford FC will host newcomers Upington City FC, while Marumo Gallants will be on the road to face Platinum City Rovers, which is also from the North West province.
The fixtures will be played on December 5 and 6, with times and venues still to be confirmed by the PSL.
Nedbank Cup fixtures in full:
- Milford FC vs Upington City
- Platinum City Rovers vs Marumo Gallants
- Orbit College vs JDR Stars
- Magesi vs Pretoria Callies
- Baroka FC vs NB La Masia
- Casric Stars vs Hungry Lions
- Venda FC vs AmaTuks
- Maritzburg United vs Black Leopards
