Nedbank Cup 2026: Match‑by‑Match Guide and Predictions

The 2026 Nedbank Cup kicks off on Wednesday, 4 February, with two blockbuster ties that set the tone for South Africa’s most unpredictable knockout competition. Known as the country’s equivalent of the FA Cup, the Nedbank Cup brings together giants of the Betway Premiership and ambitious lower-league hopefuls, ensuring drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.

This year’s Last 32 features 16 ties spread across six days, with amateur clubs once again rubbing shoulders with the elite. For many, it’s the start of a journey they hope will end with silverware; for others, it’s a chance to make history by slaying giants.

Wednesday, 4 February

7pm – Mamelodi Sundowns v Gomora United (Loftus Stadium)
Sundowns are unbeaten in 23 matches against lower-league opposition since 2008. Gomora, 13th in the Championship, face a baptism of fire.
Prediction: Sundowns 4-0 Gomora United
Where to Watch: SuperSport PSL (DStv Channel 202), DStv Stream

7pm – Stellenbosch FC v Kaizer Chiefs (Cape Town Stadium)
Chiefs lead the head-to-head 11-3 and have won all three previous Nedbank Cup meetings. Stellies, under Gavin Hunt, will be dangerous but Chiefs’ form gives them the edge.
Prediction: Chiefs 2-1 Stellenbosch
Where to Watch: SuperSport PSL (DStv Channel 202), DStv Stream

Friday, 6 February

7pm – Durban City v Chippa United (Chatsworth Stadium)
Both sides are inconsistent, but Chippa’s league struggles may weigh them down.
Prediction: Durban City 1-0 Chippa United
Where to Watch: SuperSport Variety 3 (DStv Channel 208), DStv Stream

7pm – CR Vasco da Gama v Luthuli Brigades (Athlone Stadium)
Debutants Brigades are spirited, but Vasco’s experience should count.
Prediction: Vasco da Gama 2-1 Luthuli Brigades
Where to Watch: SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv Channel 209), DStv Stream

Saturday, 7 February

3pm – Highbury FC v Sekhukhune United (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium)
Sekhukhune, 2023 finalists, should have too much quality.
Prediction: Sekhukhune 3-0 Highbury
Where to Watch: SuperSport PSL (DStv Channel 202), DStv Stream

3pm – Upington City v Magesi FC (Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium)
Magesi are struggling in the Premiership, but cup pedigree matters.
Prediction: Magesi 2-1 Upington City
Where to Watch: SuperSport Variety 3 (DStv Channel 208), DStv Stream

3pm – Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila v Orlando Pirates (Moses Mabhida Stadium)
Pirates are heavy favourites, but must avoid complacency.
Prediction: Pirates 3-0 TTM
Where to Watch: SuperSport PSL (DStv Channel 202), DStv Stream

3pm – FC Cardinals v Jacksa Spears (Goble Park)
A battle of lower-league sides, evenly matched.
Prediction: Jacksa Spears 2-1 FC Cardinals
Where to Watch: SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv Channel 209), DStv Stream

3pm – Army Rockets FC v Casric Stars (Olympia Park)
Casric’s promotion push makes them favourites.
Prediction: Casric Stars 2-0 Army Rockets
Where to Watch: SuperSport Variety 3 (DStv Channel 208), DStv Stream

6pm – Golden Arrows v Orbit College (King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium)
Arrows beat Orbit 3-0 earlier this season and should repeat the feat.
Prediction: Golden Arrows 2-0 Orbit College
Where to Watch: SuperSport PSL (DStv Channel 202), DStv Stream

Sunday, 8 February

3pm – TS Galaxy v Marumo Gallants (Solomon Mahlangu Stadium)
Both are former champions, but Galaxy’s recent win over Gallants tips the balance.
Prediction: TS Galaxy 2-1 Gallants
Where to Watch: SuperSport PSL (DStv Channel 202), DStv Stream

3pm – Hungry Lions v University of Pretoria (Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium)
AmaTuks edge the head-to-head and should progress.
Prediction: University of Pretoria 1-0 Hungry Lions
Where to Watch: SuperSport Variety 3 (DStv Channel 208), DStv Stream

3pm – Mkhambathi FC v Lerumo Lions (Harry Gwala Stadium)
Lerumo Lions’ Championship status gives them the advantage.
Prediction: Lerumo Lions 2-0 Mkhambathi
Where to Watch: SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv Channel 209), DStv Stream

6pm – Siwelele v Richards Bay (Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium)
Evenly matched, likely to be cagey.
Prediction: 1-1 draw (Richards Bay win on penalties)
Where to Watch: SuperSport PSL (DStv Channel 202), DStv Stream

Tuesday, 10 February

7pm – SSU M-17 FC v Milford FC (Dobsonville Stadium)
Milford top the Championship and should be too strong.
Prediction: Milford FC 3-1 SSU M-17
Where to Watch: SuperSport Variety 3 (DStv Channel 208), DStv Stream

7pm – Polokwane City v AmaZulu (Old Peter Mokaba Stadium)
Usuthu’s poor record against City continues.
Prediction: Polokwane City 2-1 AmaZulu
Where to Watch: SuperSport PSL (DStv Channel 202), DStv Stream