PIC: Saziso Magawana has been a key player for Durban City this season

Durban City will host Casric Stars in the first of the Nedbank Cup semi-finals at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 15h00), with both sides just one win away from a place in the prestigious final.

It is a clash between top-flight City and second-tier Stars, and while the home side may be expected by most to win, do not discount Stars, who have already ousted Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu from the competition this season.

There will be key battles all over the pitch, but we select three that could decide the contest.

DARREN KEET VS SIMON MOUKETE
Keet has been just about unbeatable in the Nedbank Cup this season, conceding only once in three games and winning three penalty shoot-outs for his side.

The veteran goalkeeper has had an outstanding campaign and has been a major reason behind Durban City’s run to the semi-finals.

Cameroon attacker Moukete does not always start for the side and is often used as an impact player off the bench, but it is a role he fills superbly. He is the leading scorer for Casric Stars this campaign, with six goals in seven starts in the league and 18 appearances in all.

If the game is still tight late on, this could be a huge match-up in deciding the outcome.

BROOKLYN POGGENPOEL VS SIPHOSETHU MEVENI
The team that controls the midfield is often the one that comes out on top, as they set the tempo of the game.

The battle in the centre of the park will be fierce and both sides will be desperate to gain the ascendancy.

Poggenpoel has been a superb performer for City this season, winning Man of the Match awards with his ability to disrupt the opposition’s play.

Meveni has been equally effective for Stars in his deep-lying midfield role in front of the back four, and both will be relied upon to do the “dirty work” to keep their side on the front foot.

SAZISO MAGAWANA VS KABELO MOFOKENG
Magawana has been a chief source of goals and assists for City this campaign with his trickery on the left wing, and they will rely on him again in what could be a tight contest.

He has three goals and eight assists for 11 goal contributions in all competitions, easily the most in the squad, and is the obvious dangerman in the attacking third for the Durban club.

Trying to keep him quiet will likely be Stars right-back Kabelo Mofokeng, who is relatively inexperienced but a player of fine promise.

He is in just his second season as a professional, and this will be a huge test for him, but semi-finals are the moments to stand up and be counted.