The Nedbank Cup once again reminded South Africans why it is called the tournament of dreams as a Motsepe Foundation Championship side stunned one of the country’s biggest football clubs. It was a weekend of upsets, grit and unpredictable drama that showed why knockout football lives in its own universe.
From Soweto giants bowing out in heartbreak to underdogs rewriting their club history, the round of 16 delivered everything a cup weekend should.
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Casric Stars Write Their Own Fairy Tale Against Pirates
For Casric Stars, a team that usually operates far from the bright glare of national spotlight, this was the night football folklore is made of. They walked into a clash against Orlando Pirates, a team packed with internationals, and refused to be intimidated.
What unfolded at the end of 120 tense minutes was a goalless draw filled with missed chances, brave defending and a goalkeeper performance that will be spoken about for years. Tshigwana Mthombeni was unbelievable between the sticks. Every Pirates attack felt like a new chapter in his personal highlight reel.
And when the match went to penalties, belief took over. Pirates’ 13th kick drifted wide, and Zebulon Mtshweni stepped up with the calmness of a veteran to seal a dramatic 5-4 victory.
Casric Stars booked their first-ever quarter final place, proving that in the Nedbank Cup, dreams are not limited by division.
Golden Arrows Grind Out A Hard Fought Win In Umlazi
While the country was still digesting Pirates’ exit, Golden Arrows quietly went about their business with a measured 1-0 win over Stellenbosch at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
The match was a tactical battle in slippery, wet Umlazi conditions. Stellenbosch started stronger, forcing Thakasani Mbanjwa into early saves. But Arrows found their rhythm, driven by the energy of Ayabulela Maxwele and Nqobeko Dlamini.
The breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Angelo Van Rooi arrived in the right place at the right time, guiding in a close-range finish that would ultimately stand as the winner. A late red card for Stellenbosch’s Thabo Moloisane all but ended any hopes of a comeback.
For Arrows, still searching for their first major trophy since 2009, this was a statement that they remain serious contenders.
Durban City Survive One Of The Strangest Shootouts Of The Season
Upington City and Durban City delivered another Nedbank Cup classic, but for very different reasons. The game itself was cagey, heated by Upington’s home conditions and the scorching 34 degree temperatures at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium.
Upington were reduced to ten men late in the second half, yet the fight they showed surprised everyone. Both teams squandered opportunities across extra time, with Darren Keet pulling off a brilliant save to keep Durban alive.
Then came the penalty shootout. If fans expected tension, they were not prepared for chaos.
Upington missed all their spot kicks. Durban City missed two of their own. In the end, Emmanuel Jalai and Letsie Koapeng kept their composure, slotting home the only successful efforts of the shootout. Durban City advanced 2-0, surviving a bizarre finish to an exhausting encounter.
Galaxy Deliver Another Shock As Sundowns Fall In KwaNdebele
Mamelodi Sundowns, the most dominant side in South African football, arrived in KwaNdebele expecting a routine progression. TS Galaxy had other plans.
A fearless approach from the home side saw Seluleko Mahlambi torment the Sundowns defence before Siphamandla Ngwenya unleashed a stunning long-range strike to open the scoring. Moments later, Junior Zindoga doubled the lead from the spot after Mahlambi won a penalty.
Sundowns threw everything forward in the second half, but Ira Tape stood like a wall in Galaxy’s goal. Chance after chance was blocked, smothered or punched away. Even Themba Zwane and Tashreeq Matthews could not find a way through.
Galaxy’s 2-0 win will go down as one of their greatest cup performances and another painful reminder that knockout football respects no favourite.
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A Nedbank Cup Round That Changed The Landscape
This round of 16 will be remembered for brave goalkeepers, unlikely heroes and a few giants learning tough lessons. For many smaller clubs, the Nedbank Cup is more than a competition. It is a chance to rewrite club identity, inspire communities and prove that South African football is full of hidden gems.
As the quarter finals approach, one thing is clear. The competition is wide open, unpredictable and bursting with storylines waiting to be written.
Read more: TS Galaxy look ahead with fresh signings as FIFA ban falls away
Source: Various
Featured Image Source: iDiski Times on X
