• Fredericks backs Stellenbosch over Sundowns
• Stellies meet Downs in the tournament's semifinals
• Masandawana won the Cup six times

WHAT HAPPENED?

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Stanton Fredericks has tipped red-hot Stellenbosch FC to reach the Nedbank Cup final. 

Stellenbosch booked their place in the tournament's semifinals after thumping SuperSport United 4-0 last month. 

Fredericks, a SuperSport TV analyst, has boldly picked Steve Barker's side over well-oiled Masandawana as the favorite ahead of the game. 

WHAT WAS SAID

“The second semi-final, this is a big one, it’s just brilliant how the football has been set up here,” Fredericks said, per FARPost. 

“The quality that Stellenbosch has been delivering, the prestige level that Sundowns have been maintaining for the last couple of years.

“However, I think about the schedule, having played on Monday. I think, in fact, the Champions League on Friday before that, played on Monday, they had a game against Kaizer Chiefs, and they’re playing on Sunday," he added. 

“Because of that, I’m gonna say, and I’m gonna boldly say this that I think, Stellenbosch coming from scoring a lot of goals, playing good football, having that unbeaten record, and having solutions from the bench, I do think that Stellenbosch will take this one and will see themselves in the final."

WHAT'S MORE?

Fredericks foresees Pirates and Stellenbosch battling in the final. 

“The number of goals that Pirates have been scoring is in the last couple of fixtures, it’s just phenomenal,” he said. 

“In the last game, they made a few changes, six to be exact, and still they managed to overcome Cape Town City away in Cape Town.

“So, I think Pirates, for me, have the upper edge. They’re confident and the current holders," continued former Bucs star. 

“And Chippa United lost their last two games after going ahead. I think they will be coming into this very cautiously, and I think Pirates will have the upper hand." 

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Stellies have come into their own in the PSL this season, giving Orlando Pirates and other teams a tough time for the second spot on the table.

Barker and his team will be attempting to reach the final for the second year running when they meet the six times champions.

The Cape Winelands-based club has gone 25 games unbeaten in all competitions this season so far. 

WHAT'S NEXT FOR STELLENBOSCH?

Should the Stellies eventually win the tournament, they would be adding to their already-won Carling Knockout Cup trophy. 

The Western Cape side will be welcoming the Brazilians at the Danie Craven on Sunday, May 5.