Mpheni players in action during the Nedbank Cup preliminary round games at Nkowankowa stadium.
By: Refilwe Sebola
ABC Motsepe League side Mpheni Defenders lived up to their nickname “The Bulls” as they stamped their authority with a convincing 5–2 victory over Nkowankowa Continental in the Nedbank Cup preliminary final last Saturday.
The match, played at Continental’s home ground, capped off a thrilling weekend of football that featured four ABC Motsepe League clubs battling for a spot in the next round.
The youthful Continental side had shocked many earlier in the day when they eliminated Phalaborwa United on penalties after a goalless draw. The result sent shockwaves through the camp of the Mighty United, leading to the immediate dismissal of their coach, Tefo Mashamaite, the former Kaizer Chiefs defender.
In the other semifinal, Mpheni Defenders overcame Lebashe FC — also via a penalty shootout — after another tense 0–0 stalemate.
However, the final was a completely different story. Mpheni came out firing from the first whistle, taking full control of the game and scoring three goals in the opening half. Continental managed to pull one back before the break to make it 3–1 at halftime.
The second half saw Continental fight bravely, finding the net again to reduce the deficit to 3–2, but their hopes were short-lived. The Bulls responded ruthlessly, adding two more goals to seal a comprehensive 5–2 triumph and claim the preliminary crown.
Mpheni looked unstoppable going forward — sharp in attack, composed in midfield, and relentless in their pressing. Their experience and discipline proved too much for the youthful Nkowankowa-based side.
With this victory, the Bulls advance to face their arch-rivals Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) on Saturday, 2 November, at Thohoyandou Stadium in what promises to be an electrifying Nedbank Cup Stream A showdown.