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The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed the full schedule for the 2025/26 Nedbank Cup Last 32, including dates, venues, and kick-off times. The competition will begin on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, and run until Tuesday, 10 February 2026, with fixtures spread across the country.
Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs will open the tournament with a clash against Stellenbosch FC at DHL Stadium on Wednesday, 4 February. On the same evening, Mamelodi Sundowns will host Gomora United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Both matches are set to kick off at 19h30, setting the tone for an exciting week of football.
Two matches follow on Friday, 6 February, with Durban City FC taking on Chippa United, while CR Vasco Da Gama face Luthuli Brigades FC. The action intensifies on Saturday, 7 February, when six fixtures are scheduled.
The standout tie sees Tshakhuma FC host Orlando Pirates, while FC Cardinals meet Jacksa Spears, Highbury FC battle Sekhukhune United, Army Rockets FC face Casric Stars, Upington City welcome Magesi FC, and Lamontville Golden Arrows take on Orbit College FC.
Sunday, 8 February, brings more drama as TS Galaxy square off against Marumo Gallants. Hungry Lions will renew their rivalry with the University of Pretoria, while Mkhambathi FC meet Lerumo Lions and Siwelele FC go head-to-head with Richards Bay FC.
Nedbank Cup Round of 32 draw results:
| 4 Feb | Stellenbosch vs Kaizer Chiefs | Cape Town Stadium | 19:00 |
| 4 Feb | Mamelodi Sundowns vs Gomora United | Loftus Versfeld | 19:00 |
| 6 Feb | Durban City vs Chippa United | Chatsworth Stadium | 19:00 |
| 6 Feb | Vasco da Gama vs Luthuli Brigades | Athlone Stadium | 19:00 |
| 7 Feb | Upington City vs Magesi | Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium | 15:00 |
| 7 Feb | Tshakhuma vs Orlando Pirates | Moses Mabhida | 15:00 |
| 7 Feb | Highbury FC vs Sekhukhune United | Nelson Mandela Bay | 15:00 |
| 7 Feb | FC Cardinals vs Jacksa Spears | Goble Park Stadium | 15:00 |
| 7 Feb | Army Rockets vs Casric Stars | Olympia Stadium | 15:00 |
| 7 Feb | Golden Arrows vs Orbit College | King Zwelithini | 18:00 |
| 8 Feb | TS Galaxy vs Marumo Gallants | Solomon Mahlangu Stadium | 15:00 |
| 8 Feb | Hungry Lions vs University of Pretoria | Mxolisi Dicky Stadium | 15:00 |
| 8 Feb | Mkhambathi FC vs Lerumo Lions | Harry Gwala Stadium | 15:00 |
| 8 Feb | Siwelele FC vs Richards Bay | Dr. Molomela Stadium | 18:00 |
| 10 Feb | SSU M-17 vs Milford FC | Dobsonville Stadium | 19:00 |
| 10 Feb | Polokwane City vs AmaZulu | Old Peter Mokaba | 19:00 |
Where and When to Watch
All Nedbank Cup Last 32 matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport TV across South Africa, with streaming available on the DStv Stream app for subscribers. Selected fixtures will also feature on SABC Sport, giving free-to-air viewers access to key games.
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.
