The Nedbank Cup 2026 (officially the 2025/26 season edition) is South Africa’s premier knockout football competition, organized annually by the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Known for its unpredictability and inclusivity, the tournament allows clubs from all levels of South African football, from top-flight giants to grassroots teams, to compete on a single stage, often producing memorable upsets.
Tournament Structure
The main draw features 32 teams, divided as follows:
- 16 teams from the Betway Premiership (Premier Division, top-flight).
- 8 teams from the Motsepe Foundation Championship (National First Division).
- 8 teams from the SAFA Second Division (ABC Motsepe League, amateur/provincial qualifiers).
The draw for the Round of 32 was confirmed by the PSL in January 2026, with matches kicking off in early February 2026.
Nedbank Cup 2026 Participants
Betway Premiership Clubs (16 Teams)
- AmaZulu FC
- Chippa United
- Durban City
- Kaizer Chiefs – defending champions from the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup
- Lamontville Golden Arrows
- Magesi FC
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- Marumo Gallants
- Orbit College FC
- Orlando Pirates
- Polokwane City
- Richards Bay FC
- Sekhukhune United
- Siwelele FC
- Stellenbosch FC
- TS Galaxy
These top-flight clubs are often favorites, but the cup’s knockout nature leaves room for surprises.
Motsepe Foundation Championship Clubs (8 Teams)
- Casric Stars
- Gomora United FC
- Highbury FC
- Hungry Lions FC
- Lerumo Lions
- Milford FC
- University of Pretoria (AmaTuks)
- Upington City
Second-tier sides bring strong competition and occasionally upset top-flight teams.
SAFA Second Division Clubs (8 Teams, Provincial Qualifiers)
- FC Cardinals (Free State)
- SSU M17 FC (Gauteng)
- Mkhambathi FC (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (Limpopo)
- Luthuli Brigades FC (Mpumalanga)
- Jacksa Spears (Northern Cape)
- CR Vasco da Gama (Western Cape)
- Other provincial qualifiers
These amateur sides represent the grassroots of South African football and occasionally produce shocking results against professional teams.
Current Progress: Quarter-Finals (Late February 2026)
The Nedbank Cup 2026 has already delivered major surprises, with notable early exits of giants like Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs.
The remaining eight quarter-finalists are:
- AmaZulu FC
- Casric Stars
- Durban City
- Lamontville Golden Arrows
- Sekhukhune United
- Milford FC
- TS Galaxy
- Jacksa Spears
This mix highlights the cup’s unpredictable nature, where underdogs from the lower divisions have battled their way to the last eight, setting up intriguing matchups for the semi-finals.
What’s at Stake
- National Prestige: Winning the Nedbank Cup is one of South Africa’s top honors in club football.
- Continental Qualification: The winner typically secures a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, offering international exposure.
- Giant-Killing Opportunities: Lower-league clubs have the chance to make headlines by defeating top-flight teams.
With eight teams left in the quarter-finals, the 2026 edition promises thrills, upsets, and historic moments, staying true to the Nedbank Cup’s reputation as South Africa’s most exciting knockout football tournament.
