PIC: Mthetheleli Mthiyane of Milford FC

The Nedbank Cup last 16 clash between second-tier Milford FC and Sekhukhune United will take place at the Princess Magogo stadium on Sunday (kick-off 15h00).
It will be a first ever meetings between the sides as they look to book a quarterfinal meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Here is five things you need to know about this clash.

THIRD-TIME LUCKY FOR MILFORD?
Milford have a rather unusual history in the Nedbank Cup … they have now reached the second round on two occasions but have yet to win a game outright. They debuted in 2016 when still in the third tier and lost 2-1 to topflight Lamontville Golden Arrows. It took eight years for their next appearance, which resulted in a huge shock as they edged Kaizer Chiefs on penalties following a 0-0 draw. That euphoria was followed by dismay as they were thumped 6-1 in the next round by Stellenbosch FC. They were drawn against Royal AM in the Last 32 this year, but the latter could not fulfill the fixture and Milford received a bye. Can they reach a first quarterfinal at the third time of asking?

REPEAT PERFORMANCE
Sekhukhune United were finalists in the Nedbank Cup in 2023 but lost 201 to Orlando Pirates in Pretoria, going down to an injury-time winner for The Bucaneers. That was a heart0breaking defeat, but the club has continued to develop and over the last few years have been among the most consistent sides in the topflight, which augers well for another final appearance. They were beaten in the first round by Maritzburg United (now Durban City) on debut in 2021, and then were edged by second-tier Platinum City Rovers in the Last 32 in 2022. They could not repeat their final appearance last year when they lost to AmaZulu in the Last 16. They have won outright just one of their five away Nedbank Cup clashes (D3 L1), but did claim two of those draws in the shoot-outs.

SPREADING THE GOALS

Sekhukhune United’s 16 goals in the Nedbank Cup have been scored by 14 different players as they spread them around. Only Rodrick Kabwe and Chibuike Ohizu have managed to find the back of the net more than once. There other scorers have been Daniel Cardoso, Victor Letsoalo, Yusuf Maart, Given Mashikinya, Sibusiso Mbonani, Vusimuzi Mncube, Relebogile Mokhuoane, Elias Mokwana, Tashreeq Morris, Katlego Otladisa, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Tresor Yamba.

TAKING CHARGE

Milford FC owner Dr Xanti Pupuma has recently taken up the coaching reins again at the club and will be in charge for the clash with Sekhukhune, replacing Mandla Qhogi. Pupuma was also on the bench when Milford defeated Chiefs last season, a special moment for a confirmed life-long AmaKhosi supporter. He relinquished the role at the end of last season but has decided to return to the dugout to try and see the club’s push for promotion home.

FORM GUIDE

Milford’s form has been patchy of late with a single win in their last seven games dating back to the start of December. That came at home against another Limpopo side, Venda FC. They have three draws and three defeats in that run. They have lost their last two, including a 5-1 hammering at Highbury FC last Friday.  Sekhukhune are coming off a 4-2 midweek league reversal at the hands of Sundowns, but generally their recent form has been good. Their last 13 games have resulted in seven wins and three draws. They beat Cape Town City 2-0 in the Last 32 of the Nedbank Cup.