The 2026 Nedbank Cup has entered the history books before the quarterfinals have even begun. In a weekend defined by pure “Ke Yona” magic, South Africa’s footballing royalty—Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns—were all sensationally dumped out of the competition.
For the first time since the current format’s inception in 2008, the quarterfinal draw will not feature a single member of the “Big Three.” This unprecedented clearing of the path means a new champion is guaranteed, and for the eight remaining clubs, the dream of a trophy and a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup is now a tangible reality.
The Fall of the Giants: A Timeline of Terror
- Kaizer Chiefs (Defending Champions): The Amakhosi’s defense of the title they won under Nasreddine Nabi ended prematurely in the Round of 32. They were stunned 2-1 by Stellenbosch FC, proving that their grip on the trophy was more fragile than the fans at DHL Stadium expected.+1
- Mamelodi Sundowns: The Brazilians’ hopes for a domestic double were crushed at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. TS Galaxy—the club that famously beat Chiefs in the 2019 final—once again acted as the “giant-killer,” securing a clinical 2-0 victory behind goals from debutant Siphamandla Ngwenya and Junior Zindoga.+1
- Orlando Pirates: Perhaps the most painful exit occurred at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Despite 120 minutes of relentless pressure, the Buccaneers could not break down Casric Stars. The Motsepe Foundation Championship side held their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties, ending Pirates’ streak of reaching three consecutive finals.
The Elite Eight: Meet the Remaining Contenders
With the heavyweights out, the tournament now belongs to the underdogs and the rising forces of the PSL and NFD. Here are the eight clubs left standing:
- Casric Stars (NFD): The giant-killers from the second tier who silenced Orlando. They carry the torch for the National First Division.
- TS Galaxy (PSL): The 2019 champions are now arguably the tournament favorites after dismantling Mamelodi Sundowns.
- AmaZulu FC (PSL): Propelled by the tactical “10111” guidance of Arthur Zwane, Usuthu are desperate to end their decades-long trophy drought.
- Lamontville Golden Arrows (PSL): “Abafana Bes’thende” are back in the quarters for the first time since 2019 after edging out Chiefs-slayers Stellenbosch FC.
- Durban City FC (PSL): The specialists in drama, having advanced through the Round of 32 and Round of 16 via back-to-back penalty shootout victories.
- Sekhukhune United (PSL): The “Babina Noko” secured their spot with a professional 1-0 win over University of Pretoria, looking to go one better than their 2023 runner-up finish.
- Milford FC (NFD): Another representative of the second tier, Milford won the all-KZN clash against amateur side Mkhambathi FC to keep the dream alive.
- Jacksa Spears (SAFA/NFD): The biggest surprise of the lot, the Northern Cape outfit beat Vasco Da Gama to ensure a representative from the lower divisions graces the final eight.
Who is your money on to lift the 2026 Nedbank Cup?
