Eliminated Mkhambathi proud of Nedbank Cup run

Log-leaders Mkhambathi FC’s memorable Nedbank Cup journey came to an end on Sunday after the uMgungundlovu District outfit suffered a 3-0 defeat to Milford FC in their Round of 16 clash. The Rural Boys, who top the KwaZulu-Natal ABC Motsepe League standings (South Africa’s third tier), were undone by a clinical second-half performance from the Richards Bay-based side, who campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Milford secured their place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals through goals from second-half substitutes Bulelani Sigomoshe and Siphosethu Ndlabi, before Tonny Mbunga sealed the victory with a late strike.

The win saw the Stallions become the fourth KwaZulu-Natal club to book a spot in the national cup’s last eight — joining AmaZulu FC, Durban City FC and Golden Arrows. Despite the exit, Mkhambathi FC general manager Ntuthuko Mlaba described the club’s cup run as a valuable and proud achievement. “We are now out of the Nedbank Cup, but we are very proud of all our players and the entire technical team,” said Mlaba.

We had a good run and sometimes even surprised ourselves with some of the results. “Just being part of the competition taught us a lot. We gained valuable experience playing against teams from higher divisions, and we are not disappointed — we are proud.” Mlaba added that the exposure gained from competing on a national stage would have long-term benefits for the club.

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“Our run means a brighter future for everyone at the club because the team received significant exposure and marketing. That is very important for a growing team like ours,” he said.

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