Nedbank Cup: Previewing the 4 Most Exciting Matchups in the Last 16

• The draw for the Nedbank Cup Last 16 was conducted on Monday, February 27
• Defending champions Orlando Pirates were drawn against another NFD opponent
• There were only two all-PSL clashes leaving the door open for more giant-killing exploits

The next eight knockout fixtures have been decided for the Nedbank Cup.

After the drama of Kaizer Cheifs' exit, eyes are wide open in search of the next big name to fall, as others look to turn an average season into a remarkable one.

Sports Brief previews four of the contests in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 that provide the potential for intriguing storylines.

4 Best Nedbank Cup Last 16 fixtures

1. University of Pretoria vs Moroka Swallows

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The Dube Birds were on the fortunate end of the 12-yard lottery after failing to penetrate the Platinum City Rovers defence. Moroka Swallows have now failed to score in five of their last six matches.

AmaTuks are on a contrasting trajectory, sitting top of the NFD and having just dispatched a team they could replace in the PSL in the form of Cape Town Spurs.

2. Milford FC vs Stellenbosch FC

All eyes will be on Dr Xanti Pupuma and Siphamandla Hleza to see if they can replicate their FNB Stadium heroics. It could be a tight affair as their opponents needed penalties to beat Pretoria Callies, a team level on points with Milford FC in the NFD.

Steve Barker would have learned from the experience and will be keen to avoid a repeat. The draw might favour Stellies too, as their winning Carling Knockout Cup run saw them play every tie away from home.

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3. Richards Bay FC vs SuperSport United

The only other all-PSL tie is an evenly matched contest between Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu. However, Richards Bay FC had a good run to the Carling Knockout Cup semis and SuperSport United may have their focus elsewhere.

Gavin Hunt's team were lethargic in their CAF Confederations Cup exit but could be unburdened by the defeat, freeing them up for a cup challenge. Matsatsantsa have bags of talent, but the tie will be decided by desire.

4. D'General FC vs TS Galaxy

The other third-division team in the draw, FC Ravens, were unfortunately assigned the away slot. This makes the Free State's D'General FC the lowest-ranked home team in the Last 16.

They may dream but they will be overwhelming underdogs against a very good TS Galaxy. The Rockets are on a hot streak and their abrasive coach, Sead Ramovic, lambasted the media for not giving his team attention. As quoted by iDiskiTimes, he said:

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“I think my players now deserve a lot of credit from the experts, if they are they are the experts...I don’t know. I think other teams, if they win five games in a row, there will be headlines and headlines.”

The dates, times and venues for the Last 16 have yet to be announced and will be relayed in due course.

Full Nedbank Cup Last 16 draw

Sports Brief recently compiled a full list of the eight Nedbank Cup Last 16 fixtures.

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns were both given home draws against NFD teams.

FC Ravans and D'General FC are the third-tier sides left in the cup and both have PSL opposition.