The Nedbank Cup quarterfinals are set to be an exciting affair with eight coaches vying for glory. Their histories in South Africa’s most prestigious knockout competition are varied, with some making their debut and others standing out as former champions.
Steve Barker, the longest-serving coach in the DStv Premiership, has yet to lift the Nedbank Cup, but came close with second-tier University of Pretoria as he led them to a surprise final appearance in 2009. Siyabulela Gwambi, who is back at the helm of Chippa United for a second time, led Chippa to the Nedbank Cup final in the previous season, where they lost to TTM.
John Maduka has come close to Nedbank Cup glory in the past as he was in charge of Bloemfontein Celtic when they lost 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2020 final and also took them to the final of the MTN8, where they were beaten by Orlando Pirates. Rhulani Mokwena, the only coach among the Nedbank Cup quarterfinalists to have lifted the trophy before, helped Mamelodi Sundowns to the title in 2022 alongside co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi, though he is now in sole charge of the team.
Vincent Rammoni has masterminded Dondol Stars’ thrilling run to the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals that has seen them beat SuperSport United and AmaZulu in the first two rounds. The ‘Young Master’ and ‘Pep Guardiola’, as he is known in football circles in Alexandra, has spoken before of his admiration for Manchester City manager Guardiola and Mamelodi Sundowns tactician Rhulani Mokwena.
Jose Riveiro, the Spanish coach, is in his first season in South African football and already has a trophy to his name in the form of the MTN8. He also has Orlando Pirates competing for the second CAF Champions League spot in the league and into the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals.
Brandon Truter had Sekhukhune United firing when he first arrived at the club in November last year and has led them to their first-ever quarterfinal place this season. Arthur Zwane, in his first full season as a head coach, has a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal to look forward to and is also vying for CAF Champions League football next season.
For many of these coaches, adding the Nedbank Cup title to their CVs would be a career-defining moment and a huge moment to savour. With a varied history in the competition, the quarterfinals are set to be an exciting affair.
Main Image: iDiski Times
