2025-26 Nedbank Cup: Fixtures, Results, Where to watch and all you need to know

The journey to South Africa’s most celebrated knockout competition begins this week as the 2025/26 Nedbank Cup Qualification Competition draw takes center stage. Lower-division clubs will learn their fate on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, when the draw is conducted live.

Where and When to Watch

Fans can catch the excitement LIVE on the Premier Soccer League’s official Facebook page (@OfficialPSL) at 10h00. The broadcast will reveal which amateur and semi-professional teams will battle for a coveted spot in the main Nedbank Cup tournament.

What’s at Stake

The qualification phase is a golden opportunity for smaller clubs to dream big. Every season, the Nedbank Cup delivers unforgettable giant-killing stories, and this year promises more drama as teams from the ABC Motsepe League and other lower tiers aim to upset the odds.

Previous Winners & Current Holders

The Nedbank Cup, South Africa’s equivalent of the FA Cup, began in 1971 under different names and was rebranded in 2008. The record-holder is Kaizer Chiefs with 14 titles, followed by Orlando Pirates with 10 and Mamelodi Sundowns with 6.

In the 2024–25 season, Kaizer Chiefs claimed their 14th title, defeating Orlando Pirates 2–1 in a memorable final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

2020–21: Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) shocked Chippa United 1–0
2021–22: Mamelodi Sundowns won 2–1 after extra time
2022–23 & 2023–24: Orlando Pirates triumphed in both years
2024–25: Kaizer Chiefs lifted the title again

VAR to Be Tested

A new development this season: Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be trialed in cup matches, marking a significant step toward enhanced officiating in South African football. The planned tests in the main draw aim to address crucial decisions in high-stakes knockout games.

Shock Results: Nedbank Cup’s Greatest Upsets

The Nedbank Cup is famed for its upsets:

In 2013, Maluti FET College (third tier) stunned Orlando Pirates 4–1 ﹣ one of the biggest ever shocks.
In 2011, Baroka FC knocked out Kaizer Chiefs 2–1 in the quarter-finals.
The ultimate fairy tale: TS Galaxy, a lower-league side, beat Kaizer Chiefs 1–0 in the 2019 final.

These moments illustrate why this is famously known as the “Cup of Upsets”—where David and Goliath battles produce unforgettable drama.

VAR to Make Its Debut

In a major development, the PSL confirmed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be tested during the Nedbank Cup. This marks a significant step toward modernizing officiating standards in South African football. The trial will focus on key knockout fixtures, ensuring referees have additional support for critical decisions.

Tournament Timeline

Draw Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Kick-off for Qualifiers: Late November through December
Main Nedbank Cup: Early 2026

Fixture details and venues will be announced shortly after the draw.

Why Fans Love the Nedbank Cup

From amateur sides shocking PSL giants to dramatic penalty shootouts, the Nedbank Cup has built a reputation for unpredictability. Last season saw several lower-tier teams reach the Round of 16, proving that anything is possible in this competition.