Kaizer Chiefs will begin their Nedbank Cup title defence with a tough round-of-32 clash against Stellenbosch FC, coached by former Amakhosi mentor Gavin Hunt.
The draw has not been well received by many Chiefs supporters, especially after rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates were handed seemingly more favourable fixtures against lower-ranked opposition.
Stellenbosch have proven to be a thorn in Chiefs’ side this season. The Cape Winelands outfit eliminated the Soweto giants from the Carling Knockout Cup earlier in the campaign, adding to the sense of frustration among the Amakhosi faithful.
Chiefs face Stellies in Nedbank Cup clash
The two sides have already met in a cup encounter this season, facing off in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout. On that occasion, Chiefs claimed a 3-1 victory in a match that was not without controversy.
Following the Nedbank Cup draw, Chiefs fans took to social media to voice their displeasure, with many expressing a preference for a fixture against lower-division opposition.
One supporter, @Gareth1511050, wrote: “I am not scared, but why is it always Stellenbosch?”
Another fan, @WisaniSr, questioned the club’s luck in cup draws, writing: “Who runs this team? Why do we always get Stellenbosch in cup games? Every draw, really?”
Scepticism over Chiefs’ chances also surfaced, with @khazamula37 commenting: “So Kaizer Chiefs will not be defending their trophy? Because Stellenbosch under Gavin Hunt, not Steve Barker, will eliminate them.”
@this_is_jae expressed frustration at the perceived imbalance in the draw: “Of course, everyone gets an NFD team except Kaizer Chiefs. Chiefs must not win any trophy this season. Why am I not surprised.”
The highly anticipated encounter promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Nedbank Cup round of 32, with Chiefs once again facing a stern early test in their quest for silverware.