Learn more about Kaizer Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup opponents

It’s fair to say that Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates haven’t had the best of starts to their DStv Premiership seasons.

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Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt is on record as saying Amakhosi can’t win the league this season (a look at the current standings shows he’s correct).

Despite beating Amakhosi in their recent Soweto derby, the Buccaneers are also unlikely to triumph in the league this season as they lie eight points behind current leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and have played one more match.

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With the DStv Premiership therefore unlikely to lead to silverware in 2020/21, both sides will turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup. It’s a tournament in which both sides have enjoyed tremendous success in the past.

Kaizer Chiefs have lifted the trophy no fewer than 13 times, while Orlando Pirates are second-best with eight wins.

On paper at least, both sides have drawn “easy” Round of 32 opponents for their matches this weekend.

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But how much do you know about Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates’ lesser-ranked foes? Dean Boyle takes a closer look …

Orlando Pirates v Uthongathi FC – Saturday, 6 February – 15:00

The Buccaneers will host Uthongathi FC at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Uthongathi FC are based in Tongaat in KwaZulu-Natal and were founded in 2014.

They are currently in sixth place in the National First Division.

But don’t let that mislead you. The Nedbank Cup has thrown up bigger upsets in the past. The tournament is all about lesser-known clubs getting an opportunity to take on the ‘big guns’ and for youngsters to be scouted for higher honours.

Don’t rule out another “David v Goliath” storyline!

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Kaizer Chiefs v Richards Bay FC – Sunday, 7 February – 15:00

Amakhosi will host Richards Bay FC in their opening round of the Nedbank Cup at their FNB Stadium home.

As their name suggests, Richards Bay FC are based in Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Natal Rich Boyz are a young organisation having been founded as recently as 2017.

Richards Bay compete in the National First Division and for such a young club, currently lie in an impressive second place in the standings.

While it would be an upset – of gigantic proportions – should they upset their illustrious Amakhosi opponents away from home, stranger things have happpened in football.

Watch this space!

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