Crystal Lake Scheduled to Face Orlando Pirates in Nedbank Cup Last 32 After Arbitration Case Dismissal

The opponents from Mpumalanga set to go head-to-head with defending champions Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 have finally been confirmed after a delayed arbitration case. The confirmation was stalled due to a complaint lodged by Middleburg United against Crystal Lake for alleged improper physiotherapy during a qualification match, which Crystal Lake won 1-0. The arbitration was presided over by Advocate Zwane on Thursday, 8 February. After deliberations, the case was dismissed with costs, leading to Crystal Lake from Bushbuckridge being slated to face the Buccaneers on Saturday. Crystal Lake FC competes in the HoolywoodsBets Men’s Regional League in Ehlanzeni.

SAFA Mpumalanga Secretary, Bevan Mahlangu, expressed relief at the ruling outcome, mentioning that while the summary was received promptly, they are still awaiting the detailed reasons for the decision. Mahlangu also ruled out the possibility of Middleburg United pursuing legal action following the arbitrator’s final judgment, stressing that the decision is binding per the Nedbank Cup regulations. With the case settled, Crystal Lake FC will have only seven days to prepare for their clash against Orlando Pirates.

The Nedbank Cup Last 32 matches are set to kick off on Tuesday, 20 February with Mamelodi Sundowns facing La Masia at Dobsonville Stadium. This will be followed by various matchups including SuperSport United vs. Cape Town City, Highlands Park vs. Sekhukhune United, University of Pretoria vs. Cape Town Spurs, and AmaZulu FC against Royal AM at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.

Other fixtures include Golden Arrows vs. TS Galaxy, Stellenbosch vs. Pretoria Callies, JDR Stars vs. Hungry Lions, Platinum City Rovers vs. Moroka Swallows, and Ravens vs. Spain. Richards Bay will take on Polokwane City, while D’General will play against Madridtas at Free State Stadium. Maritzburg United is set to face Paarl United, NC Pro’s will clash with Chippa United, and Kaizer Chiefs will go against Milford FC at FNB Stadium.

The confirmation of Crystal Lake FC as Orlando Pirates’ opponents in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 comes after a protracted arbitration that led to Middleburg United losing their referral battle with costs. The announcement was made by FARPost, a reputable sports news platform covering various competitive football leagues and events.