Mpheni Defenders, a team in the SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League, will face Ramatlaohle United FC in the provincial finals of the Nedbank Cup on Sunday. The match will take place at Mahwelereng Stadium in Mokopane.
While Defenders focus on their Nedbank Cup campaign, the other teams in the Limpopo stream of the ABC Motsepe League will continue with league activities this weekend.
Mpheni Defenders are champions among Limpopo's ABC Motsepe teams, while United are champions of all teams from the four regions in the province. In 2023, Defenders reached the last-16 round of the competition but were eliminated by Chippa United, a team competing in the PSL.
The managing director of Defenders, Mr Vhutshilo Phuravhathu, said the team had learned from last year's "slip-ups" and will take a different approach this year. "Last year, we lost due to a lack of concentration. The boys have to master the art of focus. I have therefore prepared them mentally not to make simple mistakes," he said.
Phuravhathu added that he was pleased with the team's cohesion. "The boys are doing their best, and I'm impressed with their performance."
He stated that their goal was to use this match as a stepping stone to the last 16. "Apart from what's at stake in the competition, it's time for us to fulfil our promises," Phuravhathu said. "We promised the fans and all Vhembe residents that we would bring home silverware. The boys talk as if they have already won, which shows their level of commitment," he added.
The chairperson of United FC, Mr Selby Manganyi, said the team had received strong support from the management. "Reaching the provincial finals as underdogs from the lower division has made a difference to the boys in terms of confidence and motivation," he said. "I hope they will achieve good results."