The forgotten Jomo Cosmos have been handed an opportunity to return to the country’s biggest knockout competition after Ezenkosi advanced to the next stage of the Nedbank Cup qualifying process.
The club, which is now campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League, South Africa’s third tier, secured its passage after beating JBM FC 3-0 on penalties following a goalless draw after 90 minutes.
The result keeps alive the dream of seeing Jomo Sono’s famous club back on the national stage, where they could once again rub shoulders with some of the country’s biggest professional clubs.
Cosmos were made to work hard for their victory, with both teams failing to find the breakthrough during regulation time. Their goalkeeper eventually became the hero after producing an impressive performance during the shootout.
But Cosmos are not alone in flying the flag for Gauteng.
Free Agents FC also booked their place in the next stage after defeating Young Pirates FC 2-1, while Tembisa Destroyers FC advanced after beating Mabopane JM FC 4-3 on penalties following another match decided from the spot.
The three successful clubs will now join five SAFA regional teams in the next phase of the Gauteng qualifying process, with the provincial process ultimately determining the teams that will progress to the Nedbank Cup Last 32.
The Nedbank Cup remains one of the few competitions in South African football where clubs from the lower divisions can earn the right to face established professional teams. The tournament’s Last 32 traditionally combines clubs from the Betway Premiership, Motsepe Foundation Championship and SAFA structures.
Limpopo drama
In Limpopo, however, the qualifying process has been overshadowed by controversy after the match between Vondwe XI Bullets and Phalaborwa United descended into chaos.
The two clubs, both from the ABC Motsepe League, were involved in a match that was disrupted after a disputed penalty decision involving the referee.
According to reports, the referee initially awarded a penalty to Vondwe XI Bullets with about 10 minutes remaining, before changing the decision to a free kick outside the box following discussions with other match officials. The referee then reportedly changed his decision again and awarded a penalty.
The decision angered Phalaborwa United players, officials and supporters, and the situation subsequently escalated. The referee was reportedly forced to flee the field for his safety, with the South African Police Service intervening.
As a result, Limpopo had yet to produce its representative from this particular qualifying process at the time of the latest reports.
The incidents underline the importance of the SAFA qualifying competitions, where ambitious lower-division clubs are fighting not only for provincial honours but also for the opportunity to share the national stage with the likes of Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
For Cosmos, Free Agents and Tembisa Destroyers, the journey is therefore far from over — but their latest victories have kept their Ke Yona Cup dreams firmly alive.