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Cape derby in Absa Cup semis
23/04/2007 16:18 - (SA)
Johannesburg - A draw performed in a carnival atmosphere outside the headquarters of the sponsors in the Johannesburg CBD on Monday has pitted together Cape Town rivals Ajax Cape Town and Santos in the semi-finals of the Absa Cup - and left League champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Knockout Cup winners Silver Stars pursuing their quest for a PSL double against each other.
It was an occasion designed to publicise the semi-finals that are due to take place early in May, with many of the trappings of a pop music festival adding to the entertainment.
But with popular local favourites Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows all exiting the tournament at an early stage, the throng of passers-by in central Johannesburg tended to view the outdoor proceedings more with a degree of curiosity than passion.
Still the officials and supporters of the four participating clubs all proclaimed the draw as "satisfactory", with interest in Cape Town boosted by the fact that the city's two teams will contest an eagerly-awaited derby.
Although the rules of the competition stipulate that semi-finals should be played at a neutral venue, the general consensus was that this should be waived in the circumstances and the game take place in Cape Town.
More intent than ever to succeed
After PSL champions Sundowns had their utopian dream of a fairytale triple dashed on Friday night when they were eliminated by Al Ahly from the Caf Champions League, The Brazilians marketing manager, Alex Shakoane, said the club was more intent than ever to succeed in the Absa Cup and record a local double.
"But Stars have exceeded all expectations this season and are not a team to be under-estimated," he added.
Stars CEO Larry Brookstone said the club had confounded all and sundry by annexing the lucrative Knockout Cup and challenging strongly for the runners-up position in the Premier League championship.
"But success in the Absa Cup would be the cherry on top of the cake for us," he added, "and prove conclusively we are among the top teams in the PSL.
"We appreciate we are facing a classy combination in Sundowns," said Brookstone, "but we have achieved success this season through maximum effort and dedication - and that is the formula we will be employing again."
Dates and venues of the semi-finals are due to be announced after a meeting of the PSL and Absa Cup Committee, with the issue complicated somewhat by the fact that Sundowns will now participate in Caf's subsidiary Confederation Cup early in May as a result of the defeat against Al Ahly.
- SAPA
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