Nedbank Cup quarter-finals set as giants fall

The “Cup of Dreams” has truly earned its moniker this year. Following a weekend that saw footballing royalty Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates unceremoniously dumped out of the competition, the road to the 2026 Nedbank Cup title has never been wider.

The quarter-final draw, held on Monday evening at the SuperSport studios in Randburg, has mapped out a fascinating path for the final eight teams. For the first time in years, the “Big Three” are absent from the hat, leaving the door ajar for a new king to be crowned.

A Historic Lineup At Nedbank Cup

The final eight represent a diverse cross-section of South African football. The draw features:

5 Betway Premiership clubs

2 Motsepe Foundation Championship sides

1 Historic representative from the ABC Motsepe League

If one thing is clear from the draw, it’s that KwaZulu-Natal is currently the capital of South African cup football. With AmaZulu FC, Golden Arrows, Durban City, and Milford FC all advancing, the province holds exactly half of the remaining slots. The highlight of the draw sees a mouth-watering KZN Derby, with Arrows set to host Durban City.

The Giant Killers: Casric, Galaxy, and the Spears

The quarter-final stage wouldn’t be complete without the “Davids” who took down the “Goliaths.”

Casric Stars are the name on everyone’s lips after eliminating Orlando Pirates in a nerve-wracking 5-4 penalty shootout.

TS Galaxy produced the performance of the round, clinically dismantling Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0.

Jacksa Spears have etched their names into the history books. By defeating CR Vasco Da Gama, they join an elite group of amateur sides—like the famed Dondol Stars—to reach the final eight. They now face a daunting but dream-like trip to TS Galaxy.

Tinkler’s Rockets and the Birthday Goal

Sekhukhune United, the 2023 finalists, look like serious contenders under the veteran guidance of Eric Tinkler. They advanced thanks to a moment of pure magic from Vuyo Letlapa, whose long-range “birthday rocket” against AmaTuks became an instant viral sensation.

NEDBANK CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

• The Road Ahead:
  The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is expected to announce the specific venues and kick-off times shortly. All matches are scheduled to take place across the weekend of March 7th and 8th, 2026.