The road to the 2026 Nedbank Cup title has officially taken shape, and the Last 32 draw has delivered intrigue, opportunity and early tests for several of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
With defending champions Kaizer Chiefs and perennial contenders Mamelodi Sundowns both handed demanding assignments, the opening round promises drama from the outset.
Defending champions face stern Cape test
The competition gets under way on Wednesday, February 4, with Kaizer Chiefs opening their title defence against Stellenbosch FC at Cape Town Stadium.
Chiefs ended a decade-long trophy drought by lifting the Nedbank Cup last season and have carried renewed confidence into the current campaign.
However, the challenge posed by Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch side is significant. Well organised and tactically disciplined, Stellenbosch have built a reputation as awkward opponents in knockout football, making this one of the standout ties of the round.
On the same evening, Mamelodi Sundowns welcome second-tier Gomora United to Loftus Versfeld Stadium. While Sundowns are heavy favourites, history adds an intriguing subplot.
Since the Nedbank Cup adopted its current format in 2008, Sundowns have never lost to lower-league opposition, recording 22 wins and one draw. That unbeaten record will be firmly in focus as they aim to avoid an early upset.
A blend of Premiership battles and giant-killers
Friday, February 6, offers a contrasting double-header. Durban City host Chippa United in an all-Betway Premiership encounter that guarantees a top-flight casualty, while CR Vasco da Gama meet fellow ABC Motsepe League side Luthuli Brigades at Athlone Stadium in an evenly matched lower-tier clash.
Saturday brings the busiest schedule, with six fixtures spread across the country. The headline act sees third-tier Tshakhuma take on 10-time winners Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Although far from Tshakhuma’s Limpopo base, the venue offers financial opportunity and exposure, with a strong crowd expected at the iconic World Cup stadium.
Sunday showdowns and final midweek clashes
Four matches follow on Sunday, February 8, including two all-Premiership ties. TS Galaxy host Marumo Gallants at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, while Siwelele face Richards Bay in Bloemfontein.
These fixtures underline the unforgiving nature of the competition, where league form offers no guarantees.
The round concludes on Tuesday with Super Soweto United M17 hosting Milford FC at Dobsonville Stadium, before AmaZulu travel to Old Peter Mokaba Stadium to face Polokwane City in the final tie.
With contrasting styles, varied venues and the ever-present threat of an upset, the 2026 Nedbank Cup Last 32 sets the stage for another compelling chapter in South African football’s most unpredictable competition.
