Few domestic competitions in South African football carry the same romance and drama as the Nedbank Cup. Since adopting its current format in 2009, the tournament has consistently provided moments that define careers, particularly for forwards whose goals often decide finals, slay giants, or propel underdogs into the national spotlight.
While trophies are ultimately claimed by teams, the Nedbank Cup has long been a stage where individual goalscorers leave an enduring mark.
Over the years, only 11 players have managed to score nine or more goals in the competition, an exclusive group that spans eras, clubs, and playing styles.
From classic poachers to midfielders with a knack for arriving late in the box, their stories collectively chart the evolution of the Nedbank Cup as a proving ground for elite attacking talent.
Nine-goal club: Consistency across seasons
Jeremy Brockie remains synonymous with SuperSport United’s golden period in the mid-2010s. All nine of his Nedbank Cup goals came in Matsatsantsa colours between 2015 and 2017, a stretch in which he was arguably the tournament’s most dominant striker. Brockie scored in back-to-back finals against Orlando Pirates, including a brace in the 2016 decider, underlining his habit of delivering on the biggest occasions.
Tshegofatso Mabasa’s path has been less linear but equally impactful. After opening his account with Bloemfontein Celtic in 2019, he emerged as a decisive figure for Orlando Pirates in recent campaigns. Seven of his nine goals arrived in the last two editions, including a hat-trick against Baroka FC and key strikes during Pirates’ 2024 triumph, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Lehlohonolo Majoro’s tally reflects longevity and adaptability. His Nedbank Cup journey began with AmaZulu in 2010/11 and included a remarkable four-goal haul for Kaizer Chiefs against Black Leopards. While his later years were quieter, his nine goals remain spread across multiple clubs and phases of a long, distinguished career.
Kingston Nkhatha, often underappreciated during his time in South Africa, proved repeatedly that he could deliver when it mattered. Five goals in a single campaign for Free State Stars laid the foundation, while later strikes for SuperSport United, including one in the 2017 final, completed a quietly impressive record.
Gaston Sirino completes the nine-goal group, standing out for his ability to influence finals. The Uruguayan scored decisive goals in two Nedbank Cup deciders for two different clubs, first with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020 and later with Kaizer Chiefs in 2025, highlighting his knack for rising to the occasion.
Reaching double figures: Impact and peaks
Thembinkosi Lorch sits among the players with 10 goals, a tally built across spells with Maluti FET College, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns. His early brace in 2015 hinted at his potential, which later flourished during Pirates’ 2023 triumph. Although his career has since taken him beyond South Africa, his Nedbank Cup contributions remain significant.
Nyasha Mushekwi’s place in the history books is secure thanks to one extraordinary campaign. His 10 goals in the 2012 edition, including six in a single match against Powerlines FC, remain the most scored by any player in one season. That Sundowns failed to lift the trophy only adds a layer of intrigue to an otherwise astonishing individual feat.
Iqraam Rayners also reached double figures through a combination of pace, persistence, and adaptability. His standout moment came in 2023 when he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals for Stellenbosch FC. Earlier strikes for Santos and SuperSport United, followed by further contributions at Stellenbosch, underline his consistency across levels and systems.
Eleven goals: Finals specialists and midfield influence
Kermit Erasmus’ 11 goals tell the story of a player who repeatedly delivered on the biggest stages. He scored in Nedbank Cup finals for both SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates, often at decisive moments. His ability to adapt across clubs and still influence outcomes places him among the competition’s most reliable performers.
Hlompho Kekana’s inclusion is particularly notable given his midfield role. All 11 of his goals came for Mamelodi Sundowns, with seven arriving in the infamous 24-0 rout of Powerlines FC. While that match inflated several tallies, Kekana’s later strikes against top-flight opposition confirmed his knack for arriving with perfect timing.
The benchmark: Peter Shalulile’s dominance
At the summit stands Peter Shalulile, the most prolific goalscorer in Nedbank Cup history with 14 goals. His journey began at Highlands Park in 2019 and accelerated after his move to Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite often being rested against lower-league opponents, Shalulile consistently delivered in decisive rounds, including goals in finals and against strong opposition.
His five-goal haul in the 2023 edition pushed him clear of the chasing pack, and while he has not added to his tally since, his record remains unmatched. Given his proven efficiency, the sense persists that the number could have been even higher under different circumstances.
A competition that rewards courage
What unites these players is not merely their goal totals, but the contexts in which those goals were scored. The Nedbank Cup’s unique format, which pits giants against minnows and often compresses pressure into single moments, rewards composure, instinct, and bravery.
For strikers and attacking players, it has offered a platform to define legacies in ways league campaigns sometimes cannot.
For now, however, these 11 players stand as the standard-bearers, their goals woven into the folklore of a tournament that continues to celebrate football’s most decisive currency.
