Bloemfontein-based team FC Black Cross received a favourable draw in the Nedbank Cup tournament’s last-32 group.
The draw was conducted on Thursday (12/01), and pitted the Free State winner with the Venda Football Academy, currently second from the bottom in the first division league.
The winner thereof will progress to the last-16 group stage of the luxury competition.
This is the first-time Black Cross reached this stage of the competition. An impressive performance could see them cast in the same light as previous Free State winner Mathaithai FC, who reached the last-16 group stage. The provincial outfit can only hope to continue its fairytale run in the tournament.
Black Cross is in line to receive incentives to reward the rich vein of form shown thus far. They are guaranteed R100 000 for reaching the last-32 group, and R200 000 if they reach the last-16 group.
Currently in the ABC Motsepe League, the team will also strive to equal the record of Maluti FC, Roses United FC and Mathaithai 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 and Morena Lothane guided Mathaithai to the last-16 group last year. However, they were eliminated by African Warriors FC and Santos FC, respectively. Mathaithai lost 0 – 6 to Premier Soccer League giants and current defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Black Cross is banking on the experience of goalkeeper Jacob Mokhasi to cause an upset in the tournament.
