Nedbank Cup quarter-final draw: All eyes on giant killers in last 8
Nedbank Cup
With the big guns out, the NedbankCup quarter-final draw at 6.30pm on Monday will decide the fate of the final eight. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Giant-killers TS Galaxy, the 2018/19 Nedbank Cup winners, are the sole former champions among the surviving elite eight clubs, underscoring the tournament’s unpredictability, ahead of Monday night's quarter-final draw.
The elite Cup tournament is renowned for its rich history and drama, and the 2026 edition is no exception. Overnight, the most prestigious cup in South African football witnessed the dramatic exit of several heavyweights, leaving the path clear for underdogs to seize their moment.
In a stunning turn of events, both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, two of the PSL's powerhouses, have been eliminated. They join Kaizer Chiefs, who were ousted early on. With these high-profile departures, one thing is certain: this season will crown new champions, heightening the competition’s excitement.
In addition to TS Galaxy, the quarter-finals will feature four other Premiership clubs: Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu, Durban City, and Golden Arrows. On current league standing form Sekhukhune, sitting third, should be considered firm favourites to make a significant run towards the final.
The lower divisions have also earned their place in the spotlight. Two teams from the Motsepe Foundation Championship — log-leaders Milford FC and Casric Stars — have made the last eight. Their resilience highlights the allure of cup competitions, where stories of triumph over adversity unfold on the pitch.
Completing the eight-team line-up are Jacksa Spears, representing the Northern Cape ABC Motsepe League. Their inclusion marks an exciting moment for smaller clubs aiming to carve out a legacy among the giants of South African football.
Following Milford FC’s resounding 3-0 victory over Mkhambathi FC on Sunday, they earned their spot alongside fellow KwaZulu-Natal clubs AmaZulu, Durban City, and Golden Arrows. The regional representation this year paints an inspiring picture for up-and-coming talent from the province.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place at the SuperSport Studios in Randburg, at 6.30pm. on Monday.
The draw will set the stage for the next chapter of this compelling tournament, as the quarter-finals promise unforgettable clashes across the spectrum of South African football.
* Herman Gibbs is a senior sports contributor for Independent Media and guest on our football podcast, the D-Line, on our YouTube channel The Clutch