At the Phakane grounds, Nyamazane Young Stars beat Faxar Young Stars 1-0, while the game between Nelspruit Leeds and Eastern Leopards was decided on penalties, following a goalless draw. Nelspruit Leeds proceeded to the last eight after a winning 5-4 on penalties. At eMjindhini grounds, Mbhombela United walloped Matsulu Limited 2-0, while City Movers moved to the next round after a 3-1 thumping of Young Masters. Nelspruit United and Thabo All Stars are also in the quarter-finals, after they beat Eastside and Willie Stars 2-0 respectively.

In Schoemansdals grounds, Kwa-Mhlutswa beat Blue Birds 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out, while Bufferspruit All Blacks hammered Manghweni Manchester 3-1.

"The attendance for the opening games was pleasing. Though most people went to church for the Easter prayers, as tournament organisers we are happy with the number of supporters who went to different grounds to support their teams," says Themba Shube, Nelspruit tournament organiser.

Today, with open blue skies in the horizon of Mpumalanga (the place where the sun rises), the last eight team will show their fans that they are not in the quarter-finals by fluke. In the last eight, Nyamazane Celtic face off against Nelspruit Leeds at Phakani grounds. And at eMjindhini, Mbhombhela All Stars play City Movers, Thabo All Stars face Nelspruit United at Msogwaba grounds, while Kwa- Mhlutswa Vultures will prey on Bufferspruit All Blacks at Kwa-Mhlutswa stadium – the place of torture.

In Bushbuckridge, the grounds were filled to the rafters. "People here love and support soccer. It felt like everyone was here to watch the teams play. Kildare and Weleverdiend grounds were outstanding," says Jabu Nzima Bushbuckridge tournament organiser.

At Masoyi grounds, Salubinza Swallows beat Liverpool 3-2, and Phama FC beat Double Action FC 1-0. At Kildare grounds all matches were decided on penalties, with Combination beating Lever Brothers 3-2 and Culcutta winning 6-5 against Ximhungwe FC. At Shatale grounds, Phenyatsatsi beat Sabie Leeds 2-0, while Dwarsloop Academy beat home favourites Shatale Lions 4-3. Crowds at the Welverdiend grounds witnessed Mapogo FC beat hosts Young Cubs 3-2.

In the so-called Welverdiend derby, Real Rangers knocked out Eastern Rangers, beating them 1-0. It was sad for the Welverdiend community to see Eastern Rangers knocked out. The team has a proud history of producing PSL stars like former Sundowns captain Michael Manzini and former Witbank Aces hard-talking defender Vivien Moreko.

This afternoon at Mkhuhlu stadium, Salubinza Swallows play Combination, and Calcutta faces Phama FC. At Thulamahashe stadium, Real Rangers are up against Dwaarsloop Academy.