The first weekend of May sees the Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates lock horns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final while Stellenbosch FC welcomes Sekhukhune United and the title race continues in the English Premier League.
1. All roads lead to the FNB Stadium for the Soweto Derby
The Soweto Derby is a game like no other, where prior form counts for nothing and anything can happen on the day, Amakhosi have enjoyed a league double over the Buccaneers this season, as part of an ongoing five-match winning run against their arch-rivals, but Pirates lie above them in the DStv Premiership table, leaving very little to choose between the teams.
Looking for another victory over their arch-rivals this time for a place in the Nedbank Cup final, Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane insists his troops head into the clash as underdogs therefore it will require discipline, focus, and determination to defeat Orlando Pirates and book their spot in the final of the Nedbank Cup taking place at Loftus Versfeld on the 27th of May 2023.
Heading into the derby after losing 2-1 to Swallows FC on Monday afternoon, Zwane has reiterated that losing a match before the derby counts for nothing too because they can't rely on history.
"Pirates are oozing with confidence, but they are coming into this game also knowing very well that they are playing a Kaizer Chiefs that is wounded, so we will give our best and we are going to FNB (Stadium) to win the game.
It’s about how we will apply ourselves, and also what Pirates are going to bring to us, so it’s not going to be an easy game," Zwane said.
Meanwhile speaking at the Orlando Pirates press conference ahead of the derby, Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has alluded that his side is also heading to the clash on Saturday with one goal in mind, to win the encounter.
"We obviously want to win the match and advance to our second cup final this season but there are many factors that will contribute to that becoming a reality, for instance we need to work on our mistakes because in both losses against Chiefs, we got punished from our mistakes so this time around we believe we will be more alert, focused and disciplined in our approach," Riveiro said.
Kick-off at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon is at 15:00 o'clock.
2. Stellenbosch host Sekhukhune United in the second Nedbank Cup semi-final
Looking for their maiden Nedbank Cup final appearance, Stellenbosch FC will host Sekhukhune United in the second semi-final of the Nedbank Cup at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Heading into the encounter after defeating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals, Stellenbosch will look to emulate the same heroics that were displayed in the last 8 to overcome Sekhukhune.
With striker Iqraam Rayners in scintillating form at the moment, Stellenbosch will hope he continues his brilliant form in front of goal to lead the team to Loftus Versfeld to either meet Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates in the final of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune head into the clash against the Stellies after defeating Chippa United in the last 8 on the 16th of April at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
It surely promises to be an exciting semi-final as both sides play an exciting and entertaining football, kick-off at the Danie Craven Stadium is at 15:00 o'clock.
3. Arsenal travel to Newcastle in a bid to return to the summit of the log