By: Mpho Sekharume

The thrill of knockout cup football is about to get unleashed with the return of the Nedbank Cup as the round of the Last 32 is set to kick off this coming on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, with the spotlight shines brightest on the opening night as the defending champions, Kaizer Chiefs, begin their quest to retain the throne. The Amakhosi face a daunting start to their campaign as they travel to the Western Cape to lock horns with a formidable Stellenbosch FC at the DHL Stadium. This high stakes encounter on Wednesday evening serves as a perfect litmus test for the holders, who will need to navigate the tricky coastal conditions and a disciplined Winelands outfit to keep their title defence alive. Simultaneously, the powerhouse of Mamelodi Sundowns will be in action at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, where they play host to Gomora United. While the Brazilians are perennial favourites in any competition they enter, the 19:30 kick-off offers Gomora United the ultimate stage to attempt a historic upset against one of the continent’s most decorated sides. As the midweek energy transitions into the weekend, on 6 February Durban City FC will seek to utilise their home advantage against a resilient Chippa United side that often finds its best form in knockout football. On the same night, the romanticism of the cup is further highlighted as CR Vasco Da Gama takes on Luthuli Brigades FC - a match that represents the very essence of the Nedbank Cup’s inclusive nature. The tournament will reach fever pitch on 7 February with six fixtures scheduled across the nation. The headline act of the day features Orlando Pirates traveling north to face Tshakhuma FC. The Buccaneers, with their rich cup history, will be wary of the motivated hosts in what is expected to be a packed football showdown. Elsewhere that very same Saturday, the footballing map expands as FC Cardinals and Jacksa Spears battle for supremacy, while Highbury FC tests their mettle against Sekhukhune United. The day will be rounded up by Army Rockets FC hosting Casric Stars, Upington City welcoming Magesi FC, and Lamontville Golden Arrows entertaining Orbit College FC in what promises to be a showcase of diverse playing styles. TS Galaxy, a club that famously won this competition as a lower-division side, will face Marumo Gallants in a match that could easily go the distance on Sunday, 8 February. Meanwhile, a familiar rivalry is renewed as Hungry Lions and the University of Pretoria (AmaTuks) square off in a clash where psychological edges will be just as important as technical skill. The Sunday roster also includes Mkhambathi FC versus Lerumo Lions and an intriguing battle between Siwelele FC and Richards Bay FC. These matches provide a vital platform for provincial pride and offer players a rare chance to catch the eyes of national scouts. The opening round of action finally draws to a close on 10 February, with two encounters. SSU M-17 FC will host Milford FC at Dobsonville Stadium, while the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane will provide the backdrop for an all-topflight affair between Polokwane City and AmaZulu FC. This final pair of matches ensures that the drama remains high until the very last whistle of the round. History has proven that the room for the amateur clubs to cause major upsets in the Nedbank Cup is a fathomable possibility. It is in this competition where small clubs either forge their dreams or have them ruthlessly shattered by the local giants. It is a period that promises the usual blend of David-versus-Goliath narratives, tactical chess matches, and the raw emotion that only a winner-takes-all tournament can provide. For amateur footballers in the lower divisions, the Nedbank Cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity that can serve as a significant launch pad into a successful football career. The competition also offers a relentless feast of nail-biting football that either induces great excitement or considerable heartbreak for fans across the country