Nedbank Cup

Wits, Usuthu want `wow` final

Coaches at Soccer City

Coaches at Soccer City

All roads will lead to Soccer City on Saturday as Africa's biggest football ground is officially opened with the Nedbank Cup final.

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Nedbank Final betting

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Only one of AmaZulu and Wits will walk away with over R6-million and the coveted trophy, but both teams have admitted it is a massive achievement to simply make it to the venue that will both usher in and close the World Cup.

76,000 seats will be filled at the venue - a sell-out, despite Soccer City being able to hold close to another 20,000 people.

AmaZulu coach Neil Tovey has warned his boys not to get overawed by the occasion, which will be broadcast to over 22 million viewers worldwide.

He said: "The players will have butterflies in their stomach that is expected, this is after all a cup final. We have to settle down quicker.

"The players have to do what they are used to doing. There will be a worldwide audience and they don't have to prove anything to anyone, they have to prove to themselves they are good. That means no extra touch when you could have made a pass.

"The mood among the players is very high. We now have to raise our game against Wits. They need to rise to the occasion and I will be happy if we would get a man-of-the-match award just as long as it's not the goalkeeper."

Tovey will be missing the services of Marc van Heerden through suspension. Warren Bishop, meanwhile, is in the South African Development team which will play in Germiston.

Winger Thabo Mabaso, who serves a one-match ban is set to be replaced by Sbusiso Hadebe, while Bradley Ritson is pushing for a starting berth upfront.

Wits coach Roger de Sa believes AmaZulu have the edge going into the final.

"Sure we have had an easier run-in, and that gives AmaZulu the edge. I do not have a problem with that. But it will be close," he said.

"There was little to choose between the teams in the league. AmaZulu finished ninth and we ended 10th. We have not won a cup in 15 years and they have gone 18 years without a trophy, so there is nothing in it.

"But I am quietly confident and believe my boys will rise to the occasion."

The Clever Boys will be without Thando Mngomeni, who received his marching orders in the quarter-finals. However, Calvin Kadi is back in contention after serving a two-game ban.

Posted: 21/05/10 10:08

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