Nedbank Cup 2026: Quarter-Final Preview

For the first time since the 2008/9 season, none of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals. This has opened the door for the likes of AmaZulu, TS Galaxy, Sekhukhune and Golden Arrows to get their hands on long-awaited silverware. Yet, as the tournament has shown, nothing can be taken for granted. Lower division sides like Casric Stars, Milford & Jacksa Spears will take inspiration from the upsets of previous rounds. Let’s review the Last 8.

AmaZulu v Casric Stars

AmaZulu have picked up just one point from 12 in their last four league games, as Arthur Zwane’s side seem to have saved their best performances for the Nedbank Cup. They’ve knocked out fellow Premier League opponents Polokwane City and Richards Bay. What has been most impressive is that both those wins came away from home. Now, Usuthu are at home against a lower division team. However, Casric Stars showed against Orlando Pirates that they can match the defensive organisation and tactical discipline of the best teams. They will not be pushovers, but this may prove to be a step too far.

0 – Casric Stars are unbeaten in nine matches since November (W5 D4)

Team to progress: AmaZulu

Value bet: Under 2.5 goals

Sekhukhune v Milford

Exactly one year ago this week, these two teams met in the Last 16 stage of this competition, resulting in a closely fought game that Sekhukhune held off to win 2-1. But a lot has happened since then, especially for Milford. Sekhukhune were third in the Premiership both then and now. Milford were one point above the relegation zone then, but are currently the league leaders in the first division. As such, this promises to be a competitive tie, moreso when you consider Sekhukhune’s home form. However, Milford’s struggles in the last round (they needed penalties to progress) may offer hope for the home side.

1 – Since September, Sekhukhune have won just one home game (P6 W1 D3 L2)

Team to progress: Sekhukhune

Value bet: Both teams to score

TS Galaxy v Jacksa Spears

While the two fixtures above feature first division teams, the dream story in the competition so far has been ABC Motsepe League’s Jacksa Spears.Theybecame only the fourth amateur side to reach the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, after Baroka FC (2011), Summerfield Dynamos (2022) and Dondol Stars (2023). If Saturday promises competitive games, Sunday affords the Cup a real chance of an upset. While TS Galaxy’s recent form suggests the gap between the sides may be smaller, we think they’ll have enough quality and motivation in front of their own fans.

10 – TS Galaxy have won their last three Nedbank Cup home games by an aggregate score of 10-0.

Team to progress: TS Galaxy

Value bet: Over 1.5 goals for TS Galaxy

Golden Arrows v Durban City

The quarter-final round is completed on Sunday with the only all-Premiership clash, as Golden Arrows and Durban City face off in a regional derby in the evening. They have both started the year relatively well so far. For Arrows, three home games in 2026 have seen two wins and a draw without conceding a single goal. For Durban City, they’ve lost one of their seven games this year, winning three and drawing three. Yet, they’ve needed penalties to progress on both occasions in the Cup so far.

3 – Arrows are looking to reach the semi-finals of this competition for only the third time (also 2017 & 2019).

Team to progress: Durban City

Value bet: Both teams to score