The Botshabelo-based men’s football outfit Mathaithai FC is the Free State’s only hope in this year’s Nedbank Cup after the hopeful Free State Stars FC fell by the wayside.
The triumphant Mathaithai beat Northern Cape Professionals FC by 2 – 0 to secure a slot in the last 16 group stage of the lucrative championship.
The match took place at Tafel Lager Park in Kimberley on Saturday (12/02).
Stars lost by 7 – 8 on penalties to the Eastern Cape’s Sinenkani FC in the team’s last 32 group stage fixture, also played on Saturday.
Mathaithai will debut in the last 16 group stage, facing Mamelodi Sundowns FC after a draw conducted on Monday.
The Free State side can only hope to continue its fairytale run in the competition. The club is in line to receive incentives to reward the rich vein of form shown in the tournament. Guided by Morena Lothane, the team is guaranteed R100 000 for reaching the last 32 group and R200 000 for reaching the last 16.
The brave boys are among players of the four clubs from the ABC Motsepe League that managed to advance to the next leg of the tournament. The other clubs are Black Eagles FC from the North West and Summerfield Dynamos FC from KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Sinenkani.
Mathaithai’s convincing win proves the team has what it takes, and it will take a team of Sundowns’ caliber to end the fairytale run in the cup of dreams.
Lothane has sent a warning signal that his lads mean business and progress inspires them to reach even greater heights.
History beckons for the coach and his team. Lothane and his gutsy lads could become the first Free State team from the third-tier rank to reach the quarter-final.
Mathaithai has equalled the record of Maluti FC and Roses United FC by reaching the last 16. Morena Ramorebodi led Maluti to victory over Orlando Pirates to reach this stage in 2013, while John Tlale had reached it with Roses in 2012. However, they were eliminated by African Warriors FC and Santos FC, respectively.
Mathaithai could become the first Free State team from the third-tier rank to reach the quarter-final
