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23 January 2020
Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League side Amavarara are relishing the chance to play in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 as they host fellow third-tier outfit Super Eagles at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on February 8 (15h00). It has not been an easy season for the club in the league, but a solid cup run will bring them to the attention of the nation and provide a massive boost to the profile of the Komani-based side. "We are now representing the province," chairman Lusapho Mzwakali told reporters.
"The draw is both difficult and nice. It’s nice because we are playing a team we have a good chance of beating. It is difficult because we now have to focus on keeping the players motivated and focused for the game. "If we had been against a big team, the only worry would have been fitness." Amavarara have recently seen the return of their stalwart coach Mzunani Mgwigwi, who has been rehired in a bid to improve performances on the pitch. It may be a change in technical team, but Mgwigwi’s familiarity with the players means it should be a seamless transition.
"The team is the same. He trained those boys, they grew up under his tutelage. In fact the change will be positive for the team," Mzwakali predicts. Amavarara have also recently signed Abongile Twani, who played for Tornado FC in the Last 32 last season against Kaizer Chiefs. He scored an unfortunate own goal in extra-time in a 1-0 defeat, but that should not detract from what was an outstanding performance, and he is one of a number of new faces at the club. "Twani was a good a defender for Tornado so I decided to approach him regardless of what had happened last year," Mzwakali said.
"Webhave also added Sibulelo Mnikelo from Mthatha [Bucks] and former Chippa United goalkeeper Ayanda Masiko, who will help to relieve our goalkeeper Khanya Mini in that department." Masiko was on the bench when third-tier Tembu Royals stunned AmaZulu in the 2013 Nedbank Cup, and was a replacement again for Chippa in their 3-2 loss to Baroka three years later. He will no doubt relish the opportunity to finally make his bow in South Africa's most prestigious cup competition.
*The views represented are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of Nedbank.