PIC: Mdu Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs

There are some top talents that will be on show in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals, match-winners who can turn the tide in their teams’ favour. We pick out eight players to watch in the matches that will be played on the weekend of April 15-16.  

RELEBOGILE MOLEFE (DONDOL STARS)
The forward scored the opening goal for Stars in their win over SuperSport United in the Last 32 and has the physical attributes to cause quarterfinal opponents Orlando Pirates problems. What he might lack in polished technique he makes up for in physicality. He will give The Buccaneers a bruising afternoon.

TERRENCE DZVUKAMANJA (ORLANDO PIRATES)
The Zimbabwe striker had been out of favour in the early part of the season but has been excellent in recent weeks and worked his way into coach Jose Riveiro’s starting XI. He has scored three goals in his last five matches – and has four in the season overall – making him one of the form players in the league at present.

IQRAAM RAYNERS (STELLENBOSCH FC)
Rayners has been sensational since his return to Stellenbosch from SuperSport United in January, scoring nine goals in seven games, including four in the Nedbank Cup to date. Given that he only scored five times in 58 appearances for Matsatsantsa during his stay there, it is an incredible return. He scored in Stellies’ recent league draw with Mamelodi Sundowns, so will be looking for a repeat performance.

NEO MAEMA (MAMELODI SUNDOWNS)
Maema might not shine the brightest in the galaxy of stars at Mamelodi Sundowns, but he is a superbly consistent performer for them this campaign and only Teboho Mokoena has played more league games than him this season. All but two of his 20 games have been from the start, during which time he has scored five goals. He has already played 31 games in all competitions and has been a key provider of assists for teammates as well.

ETIOSA IGHODARO (CHIPPA UNITED) 
The Nigerian forward has been excellent for Chippa this season, scoring eight goals in 21 appearances, though he has yet to break his duck in the Nedbank Cup. He did score against Sekhukhune United when the teams met in the league last month and in October and will be the chief attacking weapon for Chippa again. Ighodaro is in his first season at Chippa after moving from University of Pretoria.

RODERICK KABWE (SEKHUKHUNE UNITED)
The Zambian midfielder has already scored twice in the Nedbank Cup this season, helping Sekhukhune into their first ever quarterfinal in the competition. He is in his seventh season in South African football and does enjoy the Nedbank Cup with four career goals in the competition, the others coming in the colours of Ajax Cape Town. He is experienced, has an eye for goal and can be a genuine match-winner on his day.  

RUZAIGH GAMILDIEN (ROYAL AM)
Gamildien is a vastly experienced forward and one of the best finishers in the Premier Soccer League. He has five league goals already this season and has a long history of scoring in the Nedbank Cup, in the colours of Chippa United and Swallows FC in the past. He will be looking for his debut goal for Royal AM in this competition and is a canny operator and intelligent forward.   

MDU SHABALALA (KAIZER CHIEFS)
One of the most exciting young players in South African football, Shabalala is still a teenager but plays with great maturity in what has been a breakthrough year for him in the local game. He has magic in his boots and brings great creativity to the Kaizer Chiefs midfield. He has a couple of goals to his name, but is likely to get many more as the AmaKhosi begin to play to his strengths. He is a top, top talent.