Nedbank Cup: Match‑by‑Match Preview, Where to Watch and Predictions

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Nedbank Cup: Match‑by‑Match Preview, Where to Watch and Predictions

As former winners of the Nedbank Cup, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Orlando Pirates will command major attention in this weekend’s fixtures, while several Motsepe Foundation Championship clubs look to create upsets in South Africa’s most storied knockout competition.

Pirates Set for Blockbuster Tie Against Tshakhuma

Last season’s finalists, Orlando Pirates, are preparing for a highly anticipated Round of 32 showdown with 2020/21 champions Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

 Tshakhuma famously lifted the trophy in 2021 after edging Chippa United 1-0 at the Free State Stadium under English coach Dylan Kerr. Pirates, meanwhile, suffered heartbreak in last year’s final when they were beaten 2-1 by fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the same venue.

The Buccaneers enter this clash in strong form, sitting top of the Betway Premiership and eyeing a third Nedbank Cup crown in four seasons.

Highbury Aim for an Upset Against Sekhukhune

Saturday also sees Highbury United hosting Sekhukhune United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Babina Noko occupy fifth place in the Premiership, while Highbury sit 11th in the Motsepe Foundation Championship but remain eager to challenge a top-flight opponent on the big stage.

TS Galaxy Look to Recapture Cup Magic

On Sunday, former champions TS Galaxy will meet Marumo Gallants at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.

The Rockets famously won the Nedbank Cup in the 2018/19 season, defeating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 thanks to Zakhele Lepasa’s dramatic 92nd-minute strike under then-head coach Dan Malesela.

Galaxy now hope to channel the spirit of that historic run as they continue their journey in this year’s competition.

Siwelele and Richards Bay Set for Tight Premiership Contest

Another top-flight clash takes place on Sunday when Siwelele host Richards Bay FC at Dr Molemela Stadium.

Siwelele come into the encounter on a run of three consecutive league draws and sit 11th in the Premiership, while Richards Bay will be looking to build on a recent sequence of four draws and a victory in their last five matches.

SAFA Clubs Prepare for Rare Spotlight

One of the lesser-publicised fixtures of the Round of 32 sees FC Cardinals and Jacksa Spears clash at Goble Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Both clubs represent the SAFA divisions, with Cardinals hailing from the Free State and Jacksa Spears travelling from the Northern Cape, each eager to seize a rare moment on the national stage.

Scoreline Predictions

Friday, 6 February

Durban FC 0–2 Chippa United
Chippa’s quality should show, even away from home.

Vasco da Gama 1–0 Luthuli Brigades
A tight match, with Vasco edging it through experience.

Saturday, 7 February

Highbury United 1–2 Sekhukhune United
Highbury will push hard, but Sekhukhune’s structure should see them through.

Upington City 1–2 Magesi
Upington are capable of an upset, but Magesi have been more consistent.

Army Rockets 1–3 Casric Stars
Casric’s attacking play should create the separation.

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 0–3 Orlando Pirates
Pirates are expected to dominate if they maintain their league form.

Cardinals 2–1 Jacksa Spears
A close SAFA-level clash, with Cardinals having the edge at Goble Park.

Golden Arrows 3–1 Orbit College
Arrows’ top-flight experience should carry them comfortably.

Sunday, 8 February

Mkhambathi 0–1 Lerumo Lions
A tight affair decided by a single moment.

TS Galaxy 2–1 Marumo Gallants
Galaxy’s cup pedigree gives them the slight advantage.

Hungry Lions 1–2 University of Pretoria
A balanced tie, but AmaTuks’ tactical discipline could be decisive.

Siwelele 1–1 Richards Bay (Siwelele win on penalties)
Two evenly matched sides; home advantage may tip the shootout.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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