Heavyweights kept apart: Pirates and Sundowns learn Nedbank Cup Last 16 path

The road to Nedbank Cup glory has been mapped out, and the tournament’s remaining giants have successfully avoided a premature collision in the Round of 16.

In a draw conducted in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Wednesday night, defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns and cup specialists Orlando Pirates were kept apart, setting the stage for a high-stakes Round of 16.

The most glaring omission from the hat was last season’s winners, Kaizer Chiefs. Amakhosi’s defence of their crown ended abruptly in the Last 32 following a clinical exit at the hands of Stellenbosch FC, leaving the path clear for their rivals to capitalise.

The Big Guns’ Path in the Nedbank Cup

Orlando Pirates, eyeing their third Nedbank Cup title in four years, will breathe a sigh of relief after being drawn at home against Casric Stars. The Buccaneers cruised into this stage after a dominant 4-1 dismantling of TTM in Durban last Saturday.

In contrast, Mamelodi Sundowns face a far more treacherous assignment. After surviving a scare against Gamora United in a narrow 2-1 win, the Brazilians must now navigate an away trip to TS Galaxy. The Rockets secured their spot with a gritty 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants and have a history of upsetting the traditional “Big Three” in knockout football.

The draw has thrown up several intriguing all-Betway Premiership ties. Richards Bay will host AmaZulu FC in what promises to be a feisty KwaZulu-Natal derby. Both sides took the long road to the Last 16, with the Natal Rich Boyz needing penalties to overcome Siwelele, while Usuthu ground out a 2-1 win over a 10-man Polokwane City.

Golden Arrows have been handed a difficult task against “giant-killers” Stellenbosch FC, who will be high on confidence after dumping Kaizer Chiefs out of the competition.

The Underdog Story

While the top-flight clubs dominate the headlines, the “spirit of the cup” remains alive through the lower-league representatives. Only three amateur sides remain in the competition: Jacksa Spears FC (Northern Cape), Vasco da Gama (Western Cape), and Mkhambathi FC (KZN).

In a boost for the lower divisions, at least one non-Premiership side is guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals, as Jacksa Spears were drawn to face Vasco Da Gama in an all-amateur showdown.

Nedbank Cup Last 16: The Full Draw

Matches are scheduled to take place on the weekend of 21–22 February 2026.