The Nedbank Cup Round of 32 fixture between Golden Arrows and Orbit College FC was abandoned on Saturday night due to unsafe weather conditions at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.
Arrows welcomed their opponents for the final kick-off of Saturday’s slate, starting the match with their trademark high-tempo, dominant play. Abafana Bes’thende gave the visitors little time to breathe, and their persistent pressure eventually forced a breakthrough.
In the 28th minute, Orbit cracked under the strain, conceding a penalty which forward Lungelo Nguse clinically converted to hand Arrows the lead.
However, the North Durban weather took a drastic turn as the half progressed. What began as a harmless drizzle rapidly intensified into a heavy downpour accompanied by persistent, alarming thunderstorms.
While match officials managed to see out the first 45 minutes, the conditions failed to improve during the interval. Match Commissioner Buyile Gqubule was ultimately forced to call the game off as the lightning risk persisted. The two clubs now await further direction from the PSL; per league guidelines, the match is expected to be rescheduled within the next 48 hours.
MOJELA SENDS SEKHUKHUNE INTO ROUND OF 16
In Gqeberha, Sekhukhune United secured their passage to the next round with a hard-fought victory over Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) outfit Highbury FC at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Babina Noko edged the second-division side 1-0, courtesy of an 11th-minute strike from Lehlohonolo Mojela. Despite a spirited effort from Highbury to find a leveler, they were unable to breach Sekhukhune’s resilient defensive line, which held firm throughout the encounter.
For Sekhukhune, the victory marks another step toward domestic cup glory. After bowing out in the quarter-finals to Mamelodi Sundowns last season, the Betway Premiership side looks determined to replicate the form that saw them reach the 2023 final. They join defending champions Orlando Pirates as the latest top-flight side to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
Highbury, meanwhile, exits the competition with their heads held high after a valiant performance against one of the toughest defensive units in the South African top tier.
Saturday’s Nedbank Cup Results at a Glance:
Army Rockets 0-3 Casric Stars
Cardinals FC 2-4 Jacksa Spears (After Extra Time)
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 1-4 Orlando Pirates
Upington City 5-4 Magesi FC (On penalties after 0-0 Draw AET)
Golden Arrows 1-0 Orbit College (Abandoned at halftime)
RELATED STORY: Pirates cruise past TTM to advance in Nedbank Cup