Nedbank Cup: Sundowns win away at plucky Stellenbosch to ...

Mamelodi Sundowns will face Orlando Pirates in the final of the Nedbank Cup after they came away with a 2-1 victory over Stellenbosh FC in Stellenbosch on Sunday.

Sundowns opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Khuliso Mudau before extending their lead to 2-0 in the 74th minute when Thembinkosi Lorch scored.

Stellenbosch, however, clawed a goal back in the 81st minute through Genino Palace, leaving Sundowns with a nervy few minutes to hold onto their lead and secure the win.

Sundowns will now face Pirates in the final on 1 June at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

The calm before the storm ... fans flooding the stands with SuperSports Phumlani Msibi getting into the zone!

- Tashreeq Vardien

"Midnight Express" the one and only Herman Mkhalele, assistant Bafana Bafana coach alongside head coach Hugo Broos, who are seated with pen and pads as well.

The men's senior national team will assemble at the end of the season for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Nigeria in June.

- Tashreeq Vardien

You know them well. You hear them all the time. SuperSports favourite commentary duo Mark "Football Encyclopedia" Gleeson and William "Always Smiling" Shongwe.

- Tashreeq Vardien

"Ikkie (Iqraam Rayners), jy moet goals score vandag (Ikkie you must score goals today)," said one enthusiastic fan as the current DStv Premiership top goal scorer (14 goals) walked by towards the tunnel. Rayners response, "Ek will julle hoer vandag". (I want to hear you in the stands).

- Tashreeq Vardien

A wave to the surrounding community kids looking to catch a glimpse of the Tshwane giants at the entrance. Rhulani Mokwena is laser focused and was the last to get off the bus. The reason behind that is that each player and staff member gets a warm hug and embrace - just something extra to set the tone for a semi-final.

- Tashreeq Vardien

As always, Steve Barker is smiling and exudes an optimistic aura as he leads his troops off the bus. There's not much to say, but "Good afternoon," as he surely hopes it will be for the Maroons.

- Tashreeq Vardien

The iconic Danie Craven Stadium will be filled to its capacity today. 16 000 passionate football fans will sit under the Stellenbosch sunshine and breeze for what is expected to be a thrilling match. The winners will take on Orlando Pirates after their 3-1 victory against Chippa United.

- Tashreeq Vardien

The cost of Sundowns' success: 'I don't think that my son knows me that much,' says Terrence Mashego

"Mamelodi Sundowns' success in the last decade has turned its players into millionaires and made their supporters the real happy people but at a high cost. Sundowns' players share 100% of the prize money they get from winning a trophy, thanks to the policy club owner and billionaire Patrice Motsepe put in place when he bought the club in the early 2000s. His mantra was that the team must bring the trophy to him and keep the money, which has resulted in the players splitting millions of rands, thanks to their dominance in the last decade..."

Nedbank Cup showdown: 'Godfather' Barker's soaring Stellenbosch cause for wary Sundowns

"Stellenbosch is renowned for cultivating some of South Africa's finest grapes, which are then transformed into exquisite wines through meticulous processing. The Cape Winelands also boast a rich rugby culture, nurturing talented players who go on to represent top clubs both locally and internationally, with aspirations to eventually wear the prestigious Springbok jersey if fortune smiles upon them. The same blueprint has blessed the region's burgeoning football scene, with Stellenbosch FC flourishing amid the lush greenery of this picturesque locale. Eight years after acquiring Vasco da Gama's National First Division (NFD) status, relocating the club from Parow, and then renaming the team, the Maroons are seeking a cup double in only their fourth season in South Africa's top-flight..."

Stellenbosch doing just fine 'under the radar' in dimming the shine of Soweto's PSL darlings

"While the spotlight may have eluded them, the upward trajectory of Stellenbosch FC has quietly become the season's underappreciated storyline - a narrative head coach Steve Barker embraces without hesitation. Undoubtedly, the Premier Soccer League's (PSL) triumvirate of Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs commands the lion's share of media attention and holds sway over the South African football community."

'From crushing grapes to crushing Africa': Barker's dream for Stellenbosch FC is taking shape

"Even if you tried, the steadfastness of Stellenbosch FC in South Africa's top flight cannot be ignored. A glance at the DStv Premiership log will show Stellies in second place on 31 points and, more significantly, ahead in the pecking order of the country's most recognised names: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Moroka Swallows and SuperSport United. They have not looked back since billionaire company Remgro Limited and the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) joined forces to acquire the National First Division (NFD) status of Vasco Da Gama in 2016..."

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LIVE scoring and commentary of the Nedbank Cup semi-final between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.