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The small village of Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga is buzzing with excitement as local
soccer club Crystal Lake FC prepares to host defending Nedbank Cup champions
Orlando Pirates FC on February 24th. This will be a historic occasion for the newly
formed Crystal Lake FC, which was only established in July 2023.
As described in a recent media release, Crystal Lake FC defeated ABC Motsepe
League side Middelburg United 1-0 back in November to qualify for the Nedbank Cup
last 32. This upset victory over a much more established club sparked a lengthy legal
battle, as Middelburg United filed complaints and appeals trying to overturn the result.
However, earlier this week, an arbitrator dismissed Middelburg United’s latest appeal
and cleared the way for Crystal Lake FC to officially prepare for the upcoming Nedbank
Cup match. Club president Joe Mhlanga did not mince words, calling Middelburg United
“bad losers” who should have accepted defeat and moved on.
Nonetheless, Crystal Lake FC is not wasting any more time dwelling on the matter.
Mhlanga expressed excitement about hosting defending champions Orlando Pirates,
urging all supporters in Mpumalanga to attend the match at Mbombela Stadium. He
credited fellow local club Liver Brothers FC, who reached the Nedbank Cup last 32 last
season, for pioneering the way for lower league teams.
Crystal Lake FC has won an impressive 9 consecutive matches in the Nedbank Cup
knockout stage to set up this historic tie against top-flight opposition. The players and
community are eager to rise to the occasion when they face off against Orlando Pirates
on February 24th at 3 pm. It will be a monumental opportunity for the small village club
to make its mark in South African soccer history.
