Betting Notebook: Nedbank Cup Last 16

The Nedbank Cup takes centre stage this weekend, with 16 teams battling it out for a place in the quarter-finals. The defending champions are out of the competition, but there are still some big names in the hat. Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch in particular, will fancy their chances of going all the way. But, they all have a different set of tests to pass this weekend in order to progress. We preview their games.

TS Galaxy v Sundowns

A cracking game is on the table when high-flying Sundowns travel to face TS Galaxy on Saturday afternoon. The game, which has been scheduled for Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, is one of the more intriguing ties this weekend. Looking at the full Galaxy v Sundowns timeline, the Brazilians have the advantage, winning eight of the 12 games played between the sides (D2 L2). However, when TS Galaxy are at home, they have recently set the tone. In 2023, they knocked Sundowns out of the Carling Knockout on penalties at home. In 2024, Sundowns needed an 85th minute equaliser to salvage a point, while Galaxy were victorious in February last year (1-0) in the home league game. Sundowns may have beaten Pirates away on Tuesday, but they’ve been inconsistent on the road.

0 – Sundowns are yet to win back-to-back away games this season.

Team to progress: TS Galaxy

Value bet: Under 2.5 goals

Golden Arrows v Stellenbosch

We quite like how this one is poised, especially considering who will be sitting in the dugout. Between them Manqoba Mngqithi and Gavin Hunt have overseen over 1300 top-flight games in the PSL. While most of those belong to Hunt, Mngqithi still remains an illustrious figure on the local scene. Aside from his time at Sundowns, Cups have mosty eluded him, the 2009 MTN8 notwithstanding. Back-to-back wins will have Arrows feeling like they have momentum to go past Stellenbosch, who come into this without a win in three games. That said, Hunt has dominated Mngqithi over the years, winning against him 10 times, more than any other coach.

1 – Arrows have won just one of their last 10 games against Stellenbosch, drawing four and losing the other five.

Team to progress: Stellenbosch

Value bet: Both teams to score

Orlando Pirates v Casric Stars

After a chastening defeat against Sundowns during the week that cut their lead at the top of the league table, Orlando Pirates return to familiar and dominant territory – knockout Cups. The Bucaneers still have their destiny in their hands in the league, so it was not necessarily a fatal blow. However, Abdeslam Ouaddou will be keen to create new memories as soon as possible. The midweek defeat was Pirates’ first home defeat in 12 months, but their home record in this competition is even more impressive. They’ll be aiming to extend that against lower division Casric Stars.

1 – In the last 20 years, Pirates have played 23 home games in this competition and lost just one (W21 D1 L1 since 2005).

Team to progress: Orlando Pirates

Value bet: Over 2.5 goals