End of the ABSA Cup road for Black Leopards?

It remains to be seen whether Black Leopards will manage to beat Kaizer Chiefs and proceed to the semi-final stage of the prestigious Absa Cup KO Competition. The draws for the quarter final matches were conducted in Johannesburg on Monday. Apart from the fact that they will play against the difficult side of Kaizer Chiefs in their Top 8 fixture, it will be an away match for the Thohoyandou outfit. Although the venues will be confirmed in due course, the Amakhosi have already indicated that they will take the match to the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Their last 16 match against Pietersburg City Pillars was played at the same venue last Saturday evening. The Leopards’ Brand Manager, Tshifhiwa Thidiela, was quick to mention that it will not be an easy walk for his boys when taking into account the fact that Chiefs will be playing in front of their home crowd. He further indicated that the fixture will put his players to the test, saying his side will definitely reach the final stage of the competition if they man-age to beat Kaizer Chiefs in two weeks time. Thidiela’s counterpart from the Chiefs’ camp, Bobby Motaung, said they have huge respect for Black Leopards, when considering their performance these days. Leopards’ road to the Top 8 stage went via Witbank Spurs, whom they beat 2-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Saturday. Kaizer Chiefs beat Pietersburg City Pillars 5-4 later that evening. Mamelodi Sundowns will play against the Mvela Golden League side, Bloemfontein Young Tigers. Young Tigers have won the home ground advantage and for that reason the match is likely to be played at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein. Orlando Pirates will be the visiting side in their match against the Vodacom League side, Hanover Park. Thembisa Classic will host Santos. The matches will be played over the weekend of April 15 and 16.