Samkelo Maseko of Durban City celebrates a goal against Richards Bay earlier this month. Durban City and Casric Stars battle it out at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday for a historic spot in the Nedbank Cup final. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
COMMENT
This week, Durban City go into the Nedbank Cup semi-final knowing they can dominated Casric Stars based on their current form. However, cup football is football at its unpredictable best, and Stars have been relentless on their road to the semis.
Playing at home at Chatsworth Stadium is a significant advantage for City. Nonetheless, with only one game standing between them and a final in their debut season, the "Boys in Blue" face immense pressure.
Paradoxically, the Citizens also have nothing to fear. The promoted club are comfortably in the Top 5 of the Betway Premiership — and they’re already in the last four of the nation's premier cup.
Life is good right now for Durban City.
Even if they are knocked out on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), they can hold their heads up high. These cup moments can be seen as bonuses for their hard work and consistent performances throughout the season.
The same could be said for KwaMhlanga-based Stars.
The Motsepe Foundation Championship side toppled Orlando Pirates in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, before going on to outplay Manqoba Mngqithi’s Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals. Styled as the giant slayers, they are winning over support as the competition's dark horses.
Currently fourth in the NFD, they are in the midst of a promotion battle, too.
Moments like these accelerate the growth of football, influencing its direction, its pace, and the belief that anything is possible with the right mix of ambition and grit.
Both teams will walk onto the pitch this weekend with fire in their eyes and pride on their shoulders. City, seasoned enough to survive the relegation battle but young enough to surprise, will lean on their cohesion and league experience. Stars, fearless and emboldened by their upsets, will rely on momentum, confidence, and the hope that their fairy tale continues.
Regardless of who advances to the final — against either TS Galaxy or Milford — both sides have earned respect in South African football. Their "minnow" status does nothing to diminish the challenge they present. If anything, it makes the clash more captivating: two underdogs, both defying expectations, both hungry to etch their names into the annals of the Nedbank Cup.
On Saturday, history will watch and record the result. But whoever emerges victorious will carry with them the story of courage, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of the improbable.
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