Nedbank Cup Marks the Return of Football for Impatient South Africans, Although Stadiums Remain Closed for Now

• The long wait for the return of football is almost over for South African fans with the start of the Nedbank Cup
• The headline clash of the Round of 32 will see 2014 winners Orlando Pirates hosting 2010 finalists Amazulu
• The PSL remained mum on whether football fans would be allowed back into stadiums or not for next weekend's fixtures

Local football fans can look forward to the return of football on their screens with the start of the 2022 Nedbank Cup competition.

While the draw was conducted three weeks ago, it was only this week that dates and venues were released by the Premier Soccer League. It all kicks off next Friday, 04 February with the final tentatively set for the traditional June date.

There was no indication from the governing body about whether supporters would be let back into stadiums, though the assumption is that the status quo will remain.

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The PSL said in a statement on its website:

“The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed the match details for the 2021/22 Nedbank Cup last 32 fixtures which will kick-off on Friday, 04 February 2022. The last matches of the round of 32 will be played on Sunday, 13 February 2022.

“University of Pretoria and Chippa United will kick-off proceedings at Tuks Stadium on Friday, 04 February 2022 at 15h00. Then on Friday evening, Richards Bay FC and Mamelodi Sundowns will clash at Chatsworth stadium (18h00).”

The statement also read:

"In addition to the 24 clubs from the PSL professional structures, eight clubs from the lower divisions await an opportunity to make a name for themselves; four of which will be making their Nedbank Cup debut appearance. The debutants are: Black Eagles FC (North-West), Mathaithai FC (Free State), Sinenkani FC (Eastern Cape), and Summerfield Dynamos (KwaZulu-Natal).”

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Kaizer Chiefs responds to Teboho Mokoena’s agent’s comments, deny not doing enough to try and sign player

One player who will know which team he will player for in the upcoming Nedbank Cup is Teboho Mokoena, with the January transfer window closing on the 31st.

As reported on Sports Brief, Kaizer Chiefs' communications manager Vina Maphosa has spoken out about the Amakhosi's interest in him and why it didn't work out chasing the SuperSport United star.

This was after Mokoena's agent Glyn Binkin said that other clubs, including Chiefs, showed interest in the player but didn't pursue it further.