The 'big three' of Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have all been knocked out of the Nedbank Cup, leaving an opportunity for several teams to stake their claims as legitimate challengers in this weekend's quarter-finals.
Chiefs were eliminated by Stellenbosch FC in the round of 32, while the last 16 saw Casric Stars upset Pirates, while TS Galaxy did the same to Sundowns.
Among the eight teams remaining in the tournament, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United can count themselves as clubs who have threatened to genuinely establish themselves as competitors to South Africa's biggest clubs.
Arthur Zwane's AmaZulu will kick off the weekend on Saturday at home tosecond-tier Casric Stars at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick-off is set for 3pm South African Standard Time (SAST).
Later on Saturday, Eric Tinkler's Sekhukhune will host Motsepe Foundation Championship table-toppers Milford FC at Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium in a 6pm SAST kick-off.
Jacksa Spears - the only third-tier side remaining in the competition - will visit TS Galaxy at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga at 3pm on Sunday.
Galaxy know all about the value of a cup run. Their shock Nedbank Cup final win over Kaizer Chiefs in 2019 - when they were still a second-tier side - proved foundational to the project Tim Sukazi and his team have embarked upon in the years since.
Galaxy have become a relatively steady top-half Premiership side and regularly produce some of the most talented young players in the league. The absence of the big three - including a Sundowns side they knocked out in the last 16 - presents Adnan Beganovic's side with a glorious opportunity for more cup success.
In the late Sunday kick-off at 6pm SAST, a Durban derby between Golden Arrows and Durban City - the only quarter-final between two top flight sides - will take place at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
How to watch:
For SuperSport viewers, all games will be televised on DSTV channel 202 (SuperSport PSL)
Nedbank Cup quarterfinals fixtures (all times CAT):
Saturday, March 7
AmaZulu vs. Casric Stars, 15:00
Sekhukhune United vs. Milford FC, 18:00
Sunday, March 8
TS Galaxy vs. Jacksa Spears, 15:00
Golden Arrows vs. Durban City, 18:00
