The 2026 Nedbank Cup has lived up to its reputation as South Africa’s ultimate Cup of Dreams, delivering a Last 16 round defined by giant‑killings, razor‑thin margins and an extraordinary rise of the tournament’s “Davids” smaller clubs who have defied the odds to book their place in the quarter‑finals.
While traditional powerhouses Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns the “Goliaths” of South African football were dramatically knocked out, a wave of fearless teams, some from lower division and first‑time quarter‑finalists seized the spotlight.
In a season shaped by grit rather than goals, Durban City reached the last eight without scoring once, progressing through consecutive 0–0 draws and penalty shoot‑outs. Milford FC celebrated their first‑ever outright Nedbank Cup victory, a 3–0 win over Mkhambathi that sealed their maiden quarter‑final place.
Jacksa Spears etched their name in tournament folklore by becoming only the fourth amateur side in 18 years to reach the Nedbank Cup quarter‑finals and the first team from the Northern Cape to do so epitomising the “David spirit” of this year’s campaign.
Meanwhile, Casric Stars pulled off the round’s most seismic upset, eliminating Orlando Pirates in what is only the second time in history the Buccaneers have fallen to lower‑league opposition in this competition. TS Galaxy, Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu also fought their way through a gritty, low‑scoring round that produced just nine goals across eight matches, the lowest tally ever recorded at this stage.
Ten teams failed to score, further underscoring the razor‑tight margins defining the 2026 edition. Yet moments of brilliance still broke through, including TS Galaxy’s teenage debutant Siphamandla Ngwenya, who scored the Last 16’s quickest goal in the 19th minute fittingly, at just 19 years old.
Across the tournament so far, 55 goals have been scored in 24 matches, averaging 2.29 per game, reflecting a competition where determination, discipline and belief are proving just as decisive as firepower.
Quarter‑Final Fixtures:
- AmaZulu FC v Casric Stars
- Sekhukhune United v Milford FC
- TS Galaxy v Jacksa Spears
- Golden Arrows v Durban City FC
Off the pitch, Nedbank continues to elevate supporter engagement through its 2026 competition, ‘Score Your Loan’. This innovative initiative gives eligible Nedbank Personal Loan clients the chance to have their outstanding loan balance settled, up to R50 000, when specific match‑linked criteria are met during the tournament.
The campaign has already seen strong momentum, with 17 winners identified so far, each standing to receive up to R50 000 off their loan balance. By connecting football milestones with personal financial goals, the competition transforms match days into meaningful moments of possibility for fans.
“Score Your Loan is about rewarding ambition both on and off the field,” added Motsepe. “While players chase glory on the pitch, our clients are working towards their own financial aspirations. Through this campaign, we are celebrating that drive and giving our clients a chance to win in a way that truly makes a difference in their lives. We are already contacting the winners, so stay close to your phone because your moment could be next.”
Quarter‑final fixtures will be played in March 2026. Finalised venues, kick‑off times and broadcast details will be announced by the PSL soon.
Nedbank Cup 2026 | Ke Yona, Ya Rona – The one that belongs to us all.
For more updates, visit nedbankcup.co.za or follow @NedbankSport on social media.
SUPPLIED.
