PICK OF THE SPORT: Watch the Nedbank Cup semi-finals as Kaizer Chiefs battle Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates face Gallants—two do-or-die clashes that could define a season, writes Dylan Bettencourt.

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns headline a massive football weekend as the Nedbank Cup semi-finals take centre stage on Sunday.

With a place in the final on the line, it’s a doubleheader that could shape both clubs’ seasons.

Chiefs are desperate for silverware to rescue another disappointing season, and they’ll need to be at their absolute best to stop a Sundowns side that’s cruising in the league and gunning for a domestic double.

The two heavyweights clash at 6pm in what promises to be a high-stakes, high-pressure affair. Expect no mercy, no margin for error, and no shortage of drama.

Before that, Orlando Pirates face Gallants at 3pm in the first semi-final.

Pirates are in red-hot form and have one eye on challenging Sundowns in the league, but they know that lifting the Nedbank Cup could define their season. Gallants, fighting relegation in the league, would love nothing more than to pull off a giant-killing and book a spot in the final. It’s all or nothing.

Fixtures:

Sunday, 13 April

Orlando Pirates vs Gallants, 15:00

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs, 18:00

➜ Over in the EPCR Challenge Cup, all eyes are on the Bulls as they travel to Edinburgh for a tough quarter-final assignment. The Pretoria side are carrying South Africa’s last hope in the competition after the Sharks and Lions crashed out, and they’ll be looking to make a statement on Saturday afternoon.

Edinburgh have been solid at home all season, but the Bulls are built for knockout rugby. Jake White’s men are experienced, physical, and dangerous when they hit their rhythm. With the Challenge Cup wide open, this is a golden chance for the Bulls to push for silverware and add a European scalp to their campaign.

Fixture:

Saturday, 12 April

Edinburgh vs Bulls, 13:30

Elsewhere in the competition, Connacht host Racing 92, Ospreys face Lyon, and Bath take on Gloucester in an all-English showdown.

➜ Formula 1 shifts to Bahrain this weekend, where McLaren aims to extend their flying start to the 2025 season. With Norris and Piastri sharing the early wins, Sunday’s race at 5pm SA time will show if they can keep Red Bull and Ferrari in the rearview mirror.

Race:

Sunday, 13 April

Bahrain Grand Prix, 17:00

Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs.

Image source: @KaizerChiefs