Shamieg McLaurie. Photo courtesty of Shamieg McLaurie.
16 January 2013
The Nedbank Cup is the current name of South Africa’s premier club football knockout tournament. While many formats have been used over the years, the tournament has always been based on the idea of giving lower league and amateur teams a chance to compete with clubs from the top league.
GroundUp interviewed some of the players:
I personally think it’s a great opportunity for players to show their talent as the tournament gives players the chance to show what they capable of not just against amateur sides but professional sides as well. It’s also where teams like Kaizer Chiefs, Ajax, Supersport and agents also look at possible signings. I think the organisers especially of the Nedbank Cup are doing a great job developing football in South Africa.
I think the Nedbank Cup is a great opportunity for the so called small teams to show what they have in terms of talent and ability to compete. Great exposure for these teams!
I think it would be a great experience for me and others that are going to play against a PSL team in a cup game. There’s going to be a lot of nerves for a few players but its going to be a good motivation for players that’s playing for the first time in a cup game and it will be great exposure for us youngsters.
Well its a good experience for players who come from the local places where violence takes over young kids life so I would say that it’s a good experience for us players to play on a stadium against PSL players to gain experience and hopefully get spotted to play there soon.
Playing against Santos is always tough. It’s also a Cape Town derby so it’s going to be tougher. We are up for the challenge.
Source: Nedbank Cup website