All systems go in Polokwane derby
The Polokwane derby between Baroka FC and Black Leopards in the semifinals of the 2011 Nedbank Cup on Sunday afternoon at the Peter Mokaba Stadium is sure to produce fireworks, kick-off at 3pm (SA, CAT, GMT+2).
Two of the most unlikely teams will meet in the semifinal of this prestigious cup competition and on many an occasion the National First Division side, Black Leopards, would be considered the underdogs. But not on Sunday when they take on a third tier South African football team in Baroka FC.
It is not a case of ‘David v Goliath’, but rather of ‘David v David’ as no side is really a big team in South Africa. Despite what happens, one thing is guaranteed; the 2011 Nedbank Cup will have a ‘David’ in the final.
Nonetheless, both teams are confident going into the semifinal match-up. Leopards captain, Robert Ng'ambi, informs us that, “The guys are so happy to be at this stage. We look at it as an amazing achievement for a First Division team to be here, but we are not stopping here. We want to go all the way to the final and lift the trophy.”
On Baroka FC’s side, their inform striker Thobani Mncwango suggests it is a foregone conclusion that Baroka will meet the Buccaneers in the final, “We will meet Pirates in the Final.
“The fact that we have beaten the two of the top teams in the country has given us confidence that we will go past Leopards and make history, becoming the first team from the Vodacom League to play in the final of such a big tournament.”
Baroka have reached the last four of the competition thanks to victories over Mighty Mega Force (2-0), Moroka Swallows (2-1) and Kaizer Chiefs (2-1) in the Last 32, Last 16 and Quarterfinals respectively.
The victories over the two Soweto giants, according to Mncwango, has given Baroka the belief they can go all the way, “We will approach the game against Leopards the same way we did against both Chiefs and Swallows and we will definitely go all the way. We know the game against Leopards will be tough, but we are prepared to fight.”
In retrospect, Leopards will hope to be the third First Division team to qualify for the Nedbank Cup Final. Since the launch of the Nedbank Cup in 2008, the tournament has had two Finals featuring a team from outside the top flight: Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2008 and University of Pretoria in 2009.
Leopards have reached the last four of the competition thanks to victories over Thanda Royal Zulu (2-1), BTX Liverpool (3-1) and Vasco da Gama (3-2) in the Last 32, Last 16 and Quarterfinals respectively.
In conclusion, Ng'ambi says, “Baroka are doing a lot of talking. We will do our talking on the field. We have worked hard in training and we are ready for Sunday’s game, Baroka better be as well.”