GIANT KILLERS

THE 2024 NEDBANK CUP WILL PROVIDE MINNOW TEAMS THE CHANCE TO WRITE THEIR NAMES INTO FOLKLORE. HERE ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST SHOCKS IN THE COMPETITION'S HISTORY

- Mazola Molefe

THE BIGGEST LOSS

Pimville Champions stunned Lamontville Golden Arrows 6-2 in their 1971 quarterfinal after the teams had drawn their first encounter 1-1 but then refused to hold a penalty shootout, preferring to replay. This is still a record loss for a top-tier side against lower-league opposition.

THE FIRST LOWER-LEAGUE SEMIFINALISTS

A hat-trick from Johannes Simelane helped Alexandria Blackpool beat Arcadia Shepherds 4-3 in the quarterfinals in 1978 to become the first side from the lower leagues to reach the semifinals of the major cup competition in the multi-racial era. Blackpool lost to Kaizer Chiefs in their Last 4 clash.

AMATUKS OVER AMAKHOSI

University of Pretoria were a second-tier side when they reached the final in 2009, and along the way had some notable scalps, including that of Kaizer Chiefs in a real cup classic. AmaTuks ran out 4-3 winners as Mthokozisi Yende, who would later join Amakhosi, scored the first to go with a double from Phenyo Mongala (who later joined Orlando Pirates) and one from Thabo Moleko.

PIRATES SUNK

Zola Young Stars beat Orlando Pirates 5-3 on post-match penalties after a 3-3 draw in the first round in 1991. The Buccaneers team that day included Bernard Lushozi, Johnny Masegela, Aubrey Lekwane, Lawrence Maake and lan Palmer, and it was a huge upset result that shook local football.

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

Rookie coach Gavin Hunt took second-division side Seven Stars all the way to the 1997 semifinals. They beat Umtata Bush Bucks 3-1 in the last eight, but then lost on penalties to Mamelodi Sundowns in the semis.

CHIEFS DOWNED ... AGAIN