Five statistics: Nedbank Cup Quarter-Final Review

The upsets in the 2026 Nedbank Cup keep coming. Another weekend brought another reminder that reputation and big name status mean nothing in this year’s competition. AmaZulu and Sekhukhune went into the quarter-finals as heavy favourites to progress, but in Casric Stars and Milford they came up against teams that meant business. While TS Galaxy navigated their fixture successfully, lower division sides have shown that they are not just here to make up the numbers. In Five Statistics, we look at five prevailing narratives from another dramatic football weekend.

AmaZulu’s long drought continues

Of all the top-flight teams that have been eliminated by lower division teams in this edition, AmaZulu may be the most disappointed. While other big clubs can point to recent successes as a fallback, Usuthu can’t. One of the oldest clubs in the land has endured a 34-year trophy drought, having won their last major trophy in 1992 (the Coca-Cola Cup). In the PSL era, they have been to two Cup finals (the 2010 Nedbank Cup and the 2022 MTN8), but lost both. This was a perfect opportunity to rewrite their recent Cup history.

2012 – AmaZulu have not reached the Nedbank Cup semi-final stage since 2012.

Sekhukhune waste chance to land first silverware

They may be third on the league table and favourites for a CAF spot, but this will feel like a missed opportunity for Sekhukhune to land their first knockout trophy and secure CAF football in one move. Late in extra time, Bradley Grobler had a chance to score and settle the game at 3-1, but he inexplicably mustered a tame effort towards the goalkeeper. It symbolised their evening. Having enjoyed a 100% win rate in February, Sekhukhune’s March has been inconsistent and a disappointing run for Eric Tinkler.

1 – This is the first time that Sekhukhune were knocked out of this competition by a lower division team.

TS Galaxy show the way where others failed

While other top-flight teams stumbled against lower league opponents, TS Galaxy led the way with a straightforward 2-0 win over Jacksa Spears. Galaxy’s opponent came from a much lower division, but with upsets defining the tournament, playing on Sunday meant the shock results were already in their heads. Yet, they were professional in their approach, not overcommitting in attack, but taking advantage of a set-piece opportunity and an error. The Rockets’ record in the Nedbank Cup is unmatched.

71% – TS Galaxy have won 15 of their 21 games in the FA Cup (BobSave/ABSA/Nedbank Cups), the highest win rate of any team in this competition in PSL history (71%).

Arrows come up short again…

For the second tournament in a row, Golden Arrows have been knocked out painfully on penalties. In the Carling Cup in November, Arrows needed a late equaliser to take the game to extra time, only to lose the shootout. Last night, they came from a goal down, but missed a golden opportunity to win the game late on. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi will wonder how his side failed to capitalise on 45 minutes against 10 men.

Yet, credit must be given to Durban City, whose defensive resilience continues to fly under the radar.

2 – Durban City have conceded just two goals in eight games played this year.

Team to progress: Durban City

Value bet: Both teams to score

Casric Stars & Milford dream on

There will be plenty of supporters delighted at the craziness of this edition of the Nedbank Cup. The inconsistency shown by the “big” teams has made this an edition for the ages. While others moan that “sponsors will not be happy”, the true football fan has been more intrigued than ever before. There is something satisfying about watching supposedly small teams play well, and to witness unfamiliar names celebrate wildly as their teams make light work of the elite.

3 – This is only the third time in the PSL-era that more than one non-top-flight club has reached the semi-finals of this competition (Bob Save/Absa/Nedbank Cups), after 2009 and 2011.