The Botshabelo-based side D’ General FC, campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League in the Free State, has received a favourable draw in the last-32 group of the Nedbank Cup knockout tournament. Conducted in Sandton, Johannesburg, on 18 January, the draw pitted the local outfit against Madridtas FC from Limpopo.
The opponents are campaigning in the same league as D’ General.
This is the first time the club has reached the last-32 group stage of the tournament, being only the second team from Botshabelo to do so. Mathaithai FC was the first, in 2021.
D’ General has achieved this under its current coach, Morena “Festy” Lothane, who indeed guided Mathaithai to the last-16 stage.
His charges earned the right to represent the Free State after winning all the matches in the preliminary round of the competition, which features non-professional and professional clubs. D’ General faced off against Super Eagles FC (1 – 0), the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State (5 – 4), Mathaithai (2 – 1), Dikgosi FC (1 – 0) and Germany Academy (3 – 1).
Lothane said he was happy, as he had achieved what he hoped for so far, and he stressed it was crucial for his lads to capitalise on which way the draw went.
“I was hopeful to get a home draw, because it relieves the additional work of preparing for an away fixture and travelling arrangements. A home draw gives us ample time to prepare to execute a game plan,” he explained.
“My players are already familiar with the environment and the conditions at home, unlike the opposition who will need to adapt.”
The winner will automatically progresses to the last-16 stage of the competition, which offers the ultimate champions the opportunity to compete in the continental championship.
Lothane has, however, strongly warned against an underlying threat.
“Our downfall will be to underestimate Madridtas, thinking a home draw is beneficial in totality.
“We do not know much about how the team plays, the strength and the quality of players. We are depending on sources.
“It is crucial we do the spadework to succeed. The opposition also aspires to make history; hence we must give our best.”
The two clubs can only hope to continue their onslaught in the competition, given the enterprising stakes. As things stand, both Madridtas and D’ General are guaranteed R100 000 for reaching the last-32 group. One of them stands a chance to receive R200 000 for reaching the last-16 stage.
Given the financial incentives, the D’ General players are compelled to pull out all the stops against the visiting team.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is yet to announce the dates and host venues where the 32 clubs will play.
