Durban City's promotion bid clashes with Gallants' survival quest in Nedbank Cup

Durban City will look to continue their inspiring run in the Nedbank Cup when they go up against Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants in the quarterfinal to be played at the Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 15:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

City, who were formerly known as Maritzburg United are currently occupying first place in the Motsepe Foundation Championship as they continue their charge for promotion to the Betway Premiership.

The side knocked TS Galaxy out of the Nedbank Cup in the Round of 16, winning 2-1 and coming out on top as the underdogs. They’ll be seeking to continue the momentum when they go up against Siwelele sa Marumo.

As for Gallants, the team is fighting to stay in the top-flight as they occupy 14th position in the Betway Premiership standings. Their most recent result saw them lose 1-0 to Stellenbosch in the league.

The Free State outfit advanced to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup following a 1-0 win against AmaZulu in the Last 16 back in February.

WHAT WAS SAID

Marumo Gallants midfielder Siyabonga Nhlapo says the team needs to move on from Tuesday night’s defeat to Stellenbosch and shift their focus to the Nedbank Cup.

“I’d say we’re looking forward to the game. We came off a defeat on Tuesday against Stellenbosch,” said Nhlapo.

“Our focus was to move away from where we are in the league standings, but as professionals, we must put that behind us.

“I think the technical team has done its research on our opposition, so now it’s about coming up with a solid game plan and executing it on Sunday. I believe we are ready. We should be up for it because we earned our place among the last eight teams in the tournament, and we want to go further,” he added.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Senzo Ndlovu, Durban City – The striker affectionately known as “Mbhobho” by fans and teammates is on loan from AmaZulu and has already shown what he’s made of by being on target in the win against TS Galaxy. City will look to him to provide more goals in this quarterfinal showdown.

Gabadinho Mhango, Marumo Gallants – An experienced striker in the PSL, Mhango is definitely a key man for Marumo Gallants as they seek to advance to semifinals of the Nedbank Cup. Having scored against his former club Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership, the Malawian will be eager to build on the momentum.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Durban City v Marumo Gallants – This will be their first ever competitive meeting.