Nedbank Cup 2026: Full Draw, Fixtures, Key Dates, Results, TV Channels & How to Watch

The Premier Soccer League has confirmed that the draw for the Round of 32 of the 2026 Nedbank Cup will take place on Thursday, 15 January. This marks the official start of South Africa’s most prestigious knockout competition, renowned for its drama, unpredictability, and giant-killing stories.

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations nearing its conclusion and Bafana Bafana already eliminated, local football fans are shifting their focus back to domestic action. While the Betway Premiership resumes on 20 January, the first major highlight of the new football calendar will be the Nedbank Cup draw.

The Round of 32 fixtures are scheduled to kick off on 4 February, setting the stage for thrilling encounters across the country. Kaizer Chiefs enter the competition as defending champions, aiming to retain the trophy they lifted last season.

Joining them will be the 16 Betway Premiership sides, eight winners from the Motsepe Foundation Championship playoffs, and eight amateur teams, continuing the tradition of giving grassroots football a shot at glory.

Motsepe Foundation Championship Qualifiers

The eight teams that won their qualification matches to join the main draw:

These teams qualified by emerging victorious in their playoff matches over the weekend of 2–3 December.

 ABC Motsepe League (Amateur) Qualifiers

The eight amateur sides that earned their places through provincial playoffs:

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.

Key Tournament Dates

The Nedbank Cup Round of 32 will kick off on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, with additional fixtures scheduled for Saturday, 7 February and Tuesday, 10 February.

Following the opening round, the Round of 16 is set for Saturday, 21 February, before the competition heats up with the quarter-finals on Saturday, 7 March.

The semi-finals will take place on Saturday, 4 April, paving the way for the grand finale on Saturday, 2 May, where South Africa’s ultimate knockout champion will be crowned.

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.