PIC: Soweto Super United M17 coach Thabang Chauke

Soweto Super United M17 are hoping to become the fourth team from the ABC Motsepe League to put their name into the hat for the Last 16 draw of the Nedbank Cup when they host second-tier Milford FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday (kick-off 19h00).
CR Vasco da Gama, Jacksa Spears and Mkhambathi have already booked their places, with 2026 set to see a joint record number of amateur sides in the second round if SSU M17 can join them. The current record is four, achieved twice in 2020 and 2022.

The club reached the Last 32 by beating one of last year’s amateur sides at this stage, Free Agents, who went on to lose 4-0 to eventual champions Kaizer Chiefs.
“We played Free Agents in the qualifiers and managed to get a result there,” coach Thabang Chauke said. “After that, we faced fourth-tier Mamelodi All Stars to secure our place in the Last 32. Every step of the journey has required focus and belief.”

He says the club has lofty ambitions and that defeat is not acceptable, regardless of the opposition.
“In our village, the mood is set by the chairman, Mandla Mdakane. We are a results-driven club. The only acceptable result is a win. A draw is already a problem, and a loss is even worse. That mentality pushes everyone to raise their level,” Chauke said.
“You have to prepare players mentally and tactically. It all comes down to how well you prepare your team. My players are ready.”

Opponents Milford sent representatives to watch SSU M17 during their recent league clash against Young Pirates. Far from being annoyed, Chauke sees it as a major compliment.
“Funnily enough, when we played against Young Pirates, our next opponents came to watch our match. That’s a sign of respect. It tells us they are worried about what we can do, and that gives us extra motivation. It really pushes us.”

SSU M17 started out as a team competing in kasi tournaments, and the transition to league football has not been easy. They currently sit 10th in their division, but Chauke has no doubt his players will adapt.
“This has been a process, not an event. We used to play mainly off-season tournaments, but now we are competing week in and week out. Winning at this level comes with pressure and preparation.
“We stay together in the village, we analyse games together, we eat together. Nobody goes home. Everything is done as a unit.”

Many may see Motsepe Foundation Championship high-flyers Milford as favourites on Tuesday, but Chauke warns they will be no pushovers.
“I wouldn’t say we are underdogs,” he said. “We are top dogs. This is our home ground and we need to come out and show what we have.”

SSU M17 will be making their debut in the Nedbank Cup and do not appear overawed by the occasion.
There is plenty of history on their side too, with many examples of amateur outfits upsetting professional clubs. Will they be the latest?