The magic of the Nedbank Cup is officially heating up.
Wednesday night’s Last 16 draw has thrown up a mix of heavyweight clashes, fierce provincial derbies and one guaranteed fairy-tale run, reminding South African football fans exactly why this competition carries such a special place in the local game.
For Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, the road to the quarterfinals will look very different.
Read more: Nedbank Cup: Amazulu edge Polokwane City as Milford survive penalty scare
Pirates chase history but danger awaits
Orlando Pirates will host Motsepe Foundation Championship high-flyers Casric Stars in a fixture that might look straightforward on paper but could carry serious risk.
The Buccaneers are chasing a slice of history. Having lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024 before suffering heartbreak against Kaizer Chiefs in last season’s final, Pirates are aiming to become the first team to reach four consecutive Nedbank Cup finals.
That is no small ambition.
But Casric Stars are no ordinary lower-division side. They are pushing hard for promotion to the Betway Premiership and will see this tie as the ultimate audition on the big stage. For their squad, this is more than just a cup match. It is a chance to measure themselves against one of the country’s most decorated clubs.
Cup football in Mzansi has never been kind to complacency.
Read more: A new era begins as Carling Black Label joins forces with Kaizer Chiefs
Sundowns face tricky Mpumalanga test
Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, have been handed a difficult away trip to TS Galaxy.
On paper, the Brazilians dominate this rivalry. They lead the overall head-to-head 8-2, with two draws. Yet recent visits to Mpumalanga have not been comfortable. Sundowns have failed to win on their last three trips to the province, drawing twice and losing once.
Galaxy have also shown they can hurt the champions. They claimed a league victory over Sundowns just a year ago, proving that this fixture is far from routine.
For a side chasing silverware on multiple fronts, this will be a stern test of depth and focus.
Read more: Sundowns suspend analyst as alleged leak to Mokwena sparks tension
KZN derbies bring local bragging rights
KwaZulu-Natal will be buzzing after two derby fixtures were confirmed.
Second-tier leaders Milford FC take on third-tier surprise package Mkhambathi FC, who have reached the Last 16 for the first time in their history after eliminating Lerumo Lions. One of these sides will move a step closer to an unforgettable cup run.
Richards Bay will host AmaZulu in another all-KZN encounter. Interestingly, this will be their first-ever cup meeting. Richards Bay hold a slight 3-2 advantage in the overall head-to-head, with two draws, though Usuthu have won two of their last three clashes.
Expect tension, pride and plenty of local bragging rights on the line.
Old rivals and familiar battles
There is also an intriguing top-flight showdown between Lamontville Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch FC.
It pits two experienced coaches against each other in Manqoba Mngqithi and Gavin Hunt. Stellenbosch arrive with confidence after knocking out Kaizer Chiefs in the previous round, while Arrows secured a 3-0 win over Orbit College in a weather-disrupted fixture that stretched across two days.
Elsewhere, University of Pretoria host Sekhukhune United in a reunion of former Motsepe Foundation Championship rivals from the 2020 to 2021 season. Both their meetings that campaign ended in draws, adding another layer of unpredictability to this clash.
Upington City will take on newly promoted Durban City, who won both league meetings between the sides last season before securing top-flight status.
A guaranteed fairytale
Perhaps the most romantic storyline of the round lies in the meeting between Jacksa Spears and CR Vasco da Gama.
This tie guarantees that at least one third-tier side will reach the quarterfinals, only the fourth time in Nedbank Cup history that such a feat has been achieved. Previous underdog quarterfinalists include Baroka FC in 2011, Summerfield Dynamos in 2022 and Dondol Stars in 2023.
That is the beauty of this competition. It always leaves room for the unexpected.
When will the games be played?
The Last 16 fixtures are scheduled to take place between 21 and 24 February. The PSL will confirm exact dates, venues and kick-off times in the coming days.
With heavyweights under pressure, derbies brewing and underdogs dreaming, the Nedbank Cup once again promises drama, pride and the kind of knockout tension that only South African football can deliver.
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Source: SuperSport
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