PIC: Ashley du Preez

The Nedbank Cup quarterfinals loom large this coming weekend for four intriguing ties that could turn on a moment of brilliance or a scintillating piece of skill.
So who are the dangermen to watch from each of the eight teams left in the competition?

ASHLEY DU PREEZ (KAIZER CHIEFS)
The speedy forward has blown hot and cold this season but on his day is a real match-winner who can unlock defences with his trickery on the ball and pace. He has hit a mini purple-patch with three goals in his last four games and will hope to continue that as the AmaKhosi travel to Royal AM for their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal on Sunday. He has scored in both Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup wins this season, away at Maritzburg United and home to Casric Stars.

ETIOSA IGHODARO (CHIPPA UNITED)
The big Nigerian striker has reportedly caught the eye of a number of PSL clubs and it is easy to see why – he has pace, power and an eye for goal, netting eight times for Chippa United so far this campaign. He arrived from University of Pretoria last season and has hit the ground running, and will be the chief dangerman against Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal on Sunday.

RODRICK KABWE (SEKHUKHUNE UNITED)

The Zambian midfielder has been on the South African scene for some seven seasons since he joined Ajax Cape Town in 2015. He is now settled in at Sekhukhune United and a key player under coach Brandon Truter, as they prepare for their Nedbank Cup clash at Chippa United. He has scored in both the previous rounds of this year’s competition against fourth-tier Liver Brothers, as well as his old club, who are now rebranded Cape Town Spurs. Those are his only two goals in all competitions this season.    

THEMBONKOSI LORCH (ORLANDO PIRATES)
On his day a real match-winner, there are signs that Lorch is getting back to his best and he could be the man to fire Orlando Pirates to the 2023 Nedbank Cup title. He scored in the league against Chippa United this past weekend, and has also netted in both previous rounds of the Nedbank Cup. His first was against All Stars in the Last 32, and then he got another against Venda Football Academy in the Last 16. He has six Nedbank Cup goals in all, including two for former side Maluti FET College. 

LEVY MASHIANE (ROYAL AM)
A stalwart winger who has been part of the Royal AM set-up since they campaign as Royal Eagles back in the day. He got two goals in their Last 16 win at Lamontville Golden Arrows, and was also a scorer for his club in the 2020 campaign. He is a creator of goals and will be a threat for Kaizer Chiefs in their quarterfinal clash. 

KHOLOFELO MONAMA (DONDOL STARS)
The captain and star midfielder at third-tier Dondol Stars, much of their good work goes through him and he will certainly be needed in the quarterfinal tie against Soweto giants Orlando Pirates on Saturday. His goal one the tie against topflight SuperSport United in the Last 32 and he will need to be watched closely by The Buccaneers. 

IQRAAM RAYNERS (STELLENBOSCH FC)
The forward has been a revelation since his return to Stellenbosch from SuperSport United in January, scoring nine goals in eight games, including four in the Nedbank Cup. He netted two in the Last 32 win over Swallows FC, and then grabbed another brace in the extraordinary 6-3 win against TS Galaxy. Mamelodi Sundowns are next up on Saturday and he does have some form against them – he scored in a 1-1 league draw against The Brazilians in March. 

PETER SHALULILE (MAMELODI SUNDOWNS)
The Namibia forward already has five goals in two games in this year’s Nedbank Cup and tops the scorers charets for the season, as well as all-time. His 14 goals in 16 Nedbank Cup games is the most any player has managed, while the 11 he has scored for Mamelodi Sundowns is a joint club record with former teammate Hlompho Kekana. That will be a mark he will seek to beat in Saturday’s quarterfinal at Stellenbosch FC.