Tshakhuma Tshamadzivhandila FC (TTM) will advance to the Top-32 stage of the Nedbank Cup after beating Matsebeng Real Hearts 2-1 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
TTM will represent the province in the draw, which will see eight amateur teams, eight from the National First Division, and 16 Premier Soccer League sides drawn to form the 32 teams for the next round.
Coach Lucky "Mr Up and Down" Nelukau's confidence in his side appears justified after their recent performances. Two weeks ago, TTM caused a surprise by defeating Vondwe XI Bullets 1-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium.
Nelukau said the team had hoped to face a side from the same division in the last-32 round, viewing it as an opportunity to prepare for tougher challenges ahead. "Apart from what's at stake in the competition, it's time for us to fulfil our promises," he said. "We promised the fans and all Vhembe residents that we would bring home silverware when the draw was conducted."
The coach added that the cup run would also serve as a test of the team's readiness for the national promotional play-offs. He reaffirmed TTM's goal of winning the league title and qualifying for the play-offs at the end of the season.
Nelukau praised the team's cohesion, saying "The boys are doing their best, and I'm impressed with their performance." He dismissed concerns that the Nedbank Cup campaign might distract the team from their league ambitions, insisting that nothing would prevent them from pursuing both objectives. The coach also revealed that several experienced players had recently been signed to strengthen the squad.
On Sunday, TTM's goals came from Bonginkosi Stywal, while Matome Sebola scored for Real Hearts.