By: CHRIS TOTOBELA
Only one local side is left in this year’s edition of the New Year’s Cup. Grahamstown United is the only team from Makhanda (Grahamstown) left in the competition at this stage, having recently qualified for the quarter finals.
The defending champions, Maru, suffered a major shock when they were knocked out in the group stages, together with Jacaranda Aces, Mighty Chiefs, Newseekers, Santos and City Pirates.
On Saturday 22 December, Sakhulutsha were thrashed 4-0 by Zwide Pirates from Port Elizabeth, after a good start to the game. The home side seemed to struggle with the pace of the opponents wingers and were caught off guard on numerous occasions. They also had chances of their own but their attackers lacked that killer instinct in front of goals.
Grahamstown United will now face Amakhuze Royals on Christmas eve (24 December) in their quarter final clash.