Nedbank Cup: NB La Masia CEO Relishing Mamelodi Sundowns Challenge and Push for PSL Promotion

• NB La Masia are a Motsepe Foundation Championship club eyeing the ultimate scalp
• They have been drawn against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32
• The club are just six points off the NFD promotion playoff spot with 13 games to play

Every cup draw has a few Davids squaring up against established Goliaths.

Imposing opponents do not get much bigger than Africa's premier continental title-chasing giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, but their challengers sense opportunity, not fear.

NB La Masia, from the western end of Johannesburg, have been paired with Masandawana in the Nedbank Cup and are embracing a moment which they hope will be part of a successful season.

Under Daine Klate, the 2022 ABC Motsepe League winners are fighting for their second promotion in three seasons, but will not allow the visit of the African Football League winners to distract them.

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Like the DStv Premiership, the Motsepe Foundation Championship took a six-week AFCON break and NB La Masia's players have been ironing out the holiday creases on the training ground.

Since their defeat to league leaders Orbit College at the end of October, they lost only one of their last eight matches and NB La Masia CEO, Rashid Toffie, noted the unfortunate timing of the mid-season break. He told Sports Brief:

"It's always a hindrance, especially if you look at where we were coming from. Before the break, we were on a high. It's always a setback because we have to start fresh again."

The players need no extra carrots dangled in front of them, as the desire to play in the PSL and the visit of the mighty Sundowns are all the motivation needed. Toffie added:

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"It's more excitement. I think our boys took it really well when we broke it to them. Ideally, it is a platform for us. I said to the players that they get to create their own luck in terms of where they want to go as a footballer. I've told them to use this platform to showcase their talents."

Toffie and the coaching staff are under no illusions as to the mammoth tasks they have in front of them, considering Sundowns' lengthy unbeaten streak. However, their scenario is one that footballers dream of and aside from chasing a historic result, the CEO hopes the club grabs the limelight to place the brand on the map.

NB La Masia currently sit 10th in the Motsepe Foundation Championship but only eight points separate them and leaders, Orbit College. Their next two league fixtures are against teams above them in the congested log, but every fixture between now and May will be consequential. Elaborating on their goal, Toffie said:

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"If we go out there and compete, there is a big possibility of getting into the PSL. We are not naive though, we understand we are still a newbie in the league and will take it one season at a time, but because of where we find ourselves now, the possibilities are huge."

Klate and Josephs leading NB La Masia charge

Sports Brief also reported on Orlando Pirates cult heroes, Daine Klate and Moeneeb Josephs' work at NB La Masia.

Klate joined the NFD outfit in October and has had the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper working with the glovemen.

The pair have a strong set of support staff and are hoping to be guide the players on a course to the country's top tier.