Nedbank Cup draw: TS Galaxy and Mamelodi Sundowns ready to rewrite Nedbank Cup history

TS Galaxy will renew their rivalry with Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup last-16 clash, with both sides hoping to rediscover success in one of South Africa’s most prestigious knockout competitions following Wednesday evening’s draw.

The 2019 champions Galaxy will face six-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are once again chasing Nedbank Cup glory after falling short in recent seasons. The Brazilians narrowly missed out in the 2021/22 campaign when they lost to rivals Orlando Pirates (2-1), while their journey last season ended in disappointment against eventual champions Kaizer Chiefs (2-1) in the semi-finals.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso will be eager to see his side add a seventh title as they travel to face the tricky assignment against Galaxy. The Rockets, who were eliminated in the last-16 stage previously, face a demanding challenge against a Sundowns side determined to reassert their dominance on all fronts.

The 2026 edition has already delivered its customary surprises, with defending champions Chiefs unable to retain their crown after suffering a 2–1 defeat to Stellenbosch in the round of 32.

In what is also a pick of the draw, Stellies’ reward for that victory is far from straightforward, as they must now travel to face Lamontville Golden Arrows away from home. Arrows advanced comfortably with a 3–0 win over Orbit College and will be looking to further improve after finally overcoming the round of 32 after two failed attempts.

Pirates, meanwhile, remain among the favourites in this year’s tournament. The Buccaneers have reached the final in each of the past three seasons, winning the first two before finishing runners-up last year against their rivals Chiefs.

The ten-time champions will play at home against Motsepe Foundation Championship side Casric Stars as they aim to return to the latter stages once again.

Elsewhere, Richards Bay FC will host six-time runners-up AmaZulu in a KwaZulu-Natal derby, while Premiership side Sekhukhune United face a potentially tricky away fixture against the University of Pretoria.

The last-16 fixtures are scheduled to take place over the weekend of 21 February, with venues yet to be confirmed.

Nedbank Last 16 Draw:

Milford FC  (KZN) v Mkhambathi (KZN); Lamontville Golden Arrows (KZN) v Stellenobsch FC (WC); Univ of Pretoria (GP) v Sekhukhune Utd (Limp); Jacksa Spears (NC) v CR Vasco Da Gama (WC); TS Galaxy (MP) v Mamelodi Sundowns (GP); Upington City (MP) v Durban City (KZN); Richards Bay (KZN) v AmaZulu FC (KZN); Orlando Pirates (GP) v Casric Stars (MP)