Chiefs thrown straight into the fire
Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs have been handed one of the most demanding starts imaginable in their bid to retain the Nedbank Cup. The Last 32 draw sends Amakhosi to the Western Cape to face Stellenbosch FC, a familiar and dangerous opponent at this stage of the season.
It is a matchup that immediately caught the eye of supporters, not least because it revisits last season’s quarterfinal, where Chiefs powered to a 3–1 victory on their way to lifting the trophy and finally ending a decade-long wait for silverware. That win paved the road to a dramatic final triumph over Orlando Pirates, a result that still lingers in Soweto football folklore.
This time, however, the challenge comes earlier and away from home. Adding extra spice is the presence of new Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt, who knows Chiefs inside out and will be keen to make a statement against his former club.
A kinder path for Pirates and Sundowns
While Chiefs brace for a stern examination, Pirates have been handed what many fans are already calling a favourable draw. The Buccaneers travel to Venda to face Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, now competing in the ABC Motsepe League.
On paper, it is a fixture Pirates will expect to navigate comfortably. Tshakhuma’s fairytale run to the semifinals in 2022 feels a long time ago, especially after the club’s top-flight identity shifted with the Marumo Gallants rebrand. Social media reaction reflected the mood, with Pirates supporters speaking openly about a clear route into the later rounds, while rival fans warned against complacency in knockout football.
Mamelodi Sundowns also appear well placed to progress, hosting Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora United. It continues a recent trend of Sundowns drawing lower-league opposition early in the competition, something that has often allowed them to rotate without losing momentum.
Plenty of intrigue across the draw
Beyond the headline ties, the Last 32 is packed with compelling storylines. Several all-Betway Premiership clashes promise tight, tactical battles, including Durban City versus Chippa United, Polokwane City against AmaZulu, and TS Galaxy hosting Marumo Gallants, a reminder of how fluid South African football’s landscape has become.
Lower down the pyramid, romance is very much alive. Fourth-tier outfit FC Cardinals meet Jacksa Spears, who are back in the Last 32 for the first time since 2013. These are the fixtures that often capture the imagination, especially in communities where the Nedbank Cup remains a rare national spotlight.
Why this draw matters
The Nedbank Cup has long been South Africa’s great leveller, a competition where form and status can disappear over 90 minutes. For Chiefs, the message is clear. Their title defence begins without any easing-in period. For Pirates and Sundowns, opportunity knocks, but history shows that nothing is guaranteed.
As one fan posted shortly after the draw, “This is why we love the Nedbank Cup. Big names, small grounds, and no hiding place.” With one Last 32 spot still to be confirmed from the Western Cape qualifiers, the sense is that more drama is still to come.
2026 Nedbank Cup Last 32 draw
Stellenbosch FC v Kaizer Chiefs
Army Rockets FC v Casric Stars
Hungry Lions v University of Pretoria
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila v Orlando Pirates
Durban City v Chippa United
Polokwane City v AmaZulu
SSU M-17 FC v Milford FC
SAFA Western Cape v Luthuli Brigades
FC Cardinals v Jacksa Spears
Mkhambathi FC v Lerumo Lions
Upington City v Magesi FC
Highbury FC v Sekhukhune United
Lamontville Golden Arrows v Orbit College
Mamelodi Sundowns v Gomora United
TS Galaxy v Marumo Gallants
Siwelele v Richards Bay
Source: SuperSport
Featured Image Source: Orlando Pirates FC on X
