4 April 2011
Third division Baroka FC produced the shock of the Nedbank Cup this season, and in many a year, as they defeated Premiership Moroka Swallows 2-1 in their Last 16 clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.
The Limpopo Vodacom League side stunned The Birds with second-half strikes from skipper Katlego Mashego and Khunadi Nkoana, either side of an Auguston Leonard goal for 2009 Nedbank Cup winners Swallows.
It was most certainly the biggest win in the history of Baroka FC, and for their 27-year-old coach Solly Chokoe, a personal triumph against one of the big guns of South African football.
Also on Sunday, Premiership strugglers Mpumalanga Black Aces defeated Witbank Spurs 4-3 in a thrilling local derby.
A hat-trick from Black Aces striker Mpho Maleka secured the win as AmaZayoni twice came from behind.
After Ralph Malema had given Spurs the opener, Maleka hit back to make the score 1-1. But Spurs were ahead again when Patrick Mubayiwa headed home midway through the second half.
Maleka equalised again just two minutes later though and got his hat-trick soon afterwards after a neat finish in the box to take his tally for the season to 11.
Spurs scored again near the end though as Mubayiwa got his second, but Black Aces were able to hold on for the win.
On Saturday,Vasco da Gama produced a fine performance as they beat Platinum Stars 2-0 away from home to seal a quarterfinal place for the first time in their history.
Skipper Keenin Lesch gave the visitors the lead midway through the first half, before Jonathan Armogam continued his fine scoring season with his seventh of the campaign, and second in the Nedbank Cup, just before halftime.
Stars hit the post through Bradley Grobler, but in truth it was another disappointing home performance from Dikwena.
Orlando Pirates eased past First Division United FC as they won 3-1 on Saturday night.
Former Moroka Swallows striker Lungisani Ndlela, who scored in the 2005 final of the Nedbank Cup as The Birds beat Manning Rangers, had the misfortune of scoring an own goal on this night to give The Buccaneers the lead.
Oupa Manyisa netted his first ever Pirates goal with a thunderous shot from outside the area to make the scoreline 2-0, before United hit back as former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye volleyed home at the back post.
But the Premiership side restored their two-goal advantage as Dikgang Mabalane kept his composure to beat the offside trap and net a third.
