Now we’re down to the final eight in the Chatham Cup as a spot in the semi-finals of Aotearoa’s oldest cup competitions beckons, we take a look at what today holds in store as history is set to be made in this historic competition.

First time clash between Dunedin City Royals FC and Auckland City FC

Despite the Chatham Cup competition having been played for nearly a century, it still finds ways to generate first meetings, and this weekend’s match-up between two of the competition’s newest competitors is one such example. Dunedin City Royals FC entered the Chatham Cup for the first time last season (following the merger of Dunedin Technical, Caversham, Hereweka and Melchester Rovers), and this marks their first ever meeting with Auckland City FC, also in their second season of Chatham Cup football.

Having already lifted the Northern League trophy, Auckland City FC will now have their sights set on another trophy, having reached this stage of the Cup last year, only to be knocked out by eventual finalists Miramar Rangers.  

Saturday 30 July: Dunedin City Royals FC v Auckland City FC, Dunedin Football Turf, 1pm kick-off

Olympic at home

Last season’s Central and Southern League winners, and this season’s Central and Southern League leaders clash at Wakefield Park as Wellington Olympic, fresh from sealing a spot in the National League Championship get set to host Chatham Cup holders Cashmere Technical.

When the two teams met in the South-Central Series last year, Cashmere Technical ran out 5-1 winners in the final round of the competition, leaving the Greeks with a point to keenly prove on home turf this weekend.

Saturday 30 July: Wellington Olympic AFC v Cashmere Technical, Wakefield Park, 2pm kick-off

Battle of Northern League and Central League top scorers

If regular season form is anything to go by, then Miramar Rangers’ hosting of Hamilton Wanderers should be a game that guarantees goals. Pitting the Northern and Central Leagues’ top goalscorers Derek Tieku and Hamish Watson against one another, some of the country’s best forwards are set to do battle at David Farrington Park.

While Miramar will be desperate to go one better than last season and lift the Chatham Cup once again, the Hamilton Wanderers men will be hoping to emulate and build on the exploits of their female counterparts, who made the New Zealand Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup final in the 2021 edition of the competition.

Saturday 30 July: Miramar Rangers AFC v Hamilton Wanderers, David Farrington Park, 2pm kick-off

Waiheke United making history

First time quarter finalists Waiheke United have been making some noise in this year’s Chatham Cup - and that’s just their fanatical supporters who regularly pack out the hill at Onetangi Sports Park.

While Waiheke may be bottom of the Northern League, they’ve been making waves – and history – for themselves in the Chatham Cup. Having knocked out National League Championship contenders Melville United in the fourth round, thanks to goalkeeper Sebastian Ciganda’s winner in the 59^th minute, the Waihekians will take on league rivals Eastern Suburbs, to whom they recently lost to 2-1. Another close game beckons.

Don’t miss the historic moment of the first Chatham Cup quarter final being played on Waiheke soil as we stream on our YouTube channel as this week’s livestreamed game.

Saturday 30 July: Waiheke United AFC vs Eastern Suburbs AFC, Onetangi Sports Park, 2pm kick-off

Article added: Saturday 30 July 2022