Diedericks strike sends Vasco into Nedbank Cup round of 32
TJ Diedericks of Vasco da Gama tries to shield the ball from a Trinitarians player during their Western Cape Nedbank Cup final, played at the Uitsig sports complex, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
Vasco da Gama booked their place in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 for the second consecutive season with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Trinitarians in the Western Cape regional final at a packed Uitsig Sports Ground on Sunday.
The decisive moment for Vasco arrived early in the second half after a tense, goalless opening stanza. TJ Diedericks proved the match-winner with a superb solo effort, blasting home from a set piece to secure the win to send the Parow-based outfit through to the national phase of the competition.
By qualifying, Vasco has joined the 16 Premiership clubs, eight Motsepe Foundation Championship teams, and the eight regional winners in the last 32. The next round is scheduled to be played between February 4 and 10, and is expected to deliver several high-profile clashes, with six Premiership sides set to exit the competition at this stage.
Chad Roman of Vasco da Gama goes into battle with Trinitarians' Roberto Collins during Sunday's Western Cape Nedbank Cup final, at the Uitsig sports complex.
Image: Mark Ward
The Cape’s only Premier League side, now coached by Gavin Hunt, has been drawn to play against Kaizer Chiefs.
For Vasco, the result underlines their growing consistency on the national stage. It marks a second successive appearance in the round of 32, following last season’s campaign that ended in disappointment with a heavy 7-0 defeat to TS Galaxy.
Andrew Pequeno, Vaco’s coach, who continues to enhance his reputation as one of the leading tacticians, praised his players for their resilience.
“This is all about the players. They fought hard for this, and I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved. Reaching the last 32 of a national competition is a huge bonus for us. Our focus now shifts back to the league, where we face Santos at home, but for now, we will enjoy this moment,” said Pequeno.
Despite the significance of the occasion, players from both teams were left empty-handed, with no trophy presentation or medals awarded after the final.
Meanwhile, Vasco, who remain unbeaten in the league, will host Santos at Parow Park next Saturday, adding further momentum to what has already been a promising season. The fixture will mark Santos’ first league match since their reinstatement following a prolonged legal battle.