The 2026 Nedbank Cup has reached its quarter-final stage, and the path to the final has never looked more open. As of March 7, 2026, the “Ke Yona” Cup is witnessing a historic shift in South African football. In a weekend of stunning upsets, the traditional “Big Three”—Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns—were all eliminated before the last eight, guaranteeing a new name on the trophy and setting the stage for a thrilling weekend of cup action .

The Giant-Killings That Redefined the Tournament

The Round of 16, played from February 20–22, 2026, will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in Nedbank Cup history. Here’s how the giants tumbled:

• Casric Stars Stun the Buccaneers: In the biggest shock of the round, Motsepe Foundation Championship side Casric Stars eliminated the defending champions, Orlando Pirates. After a tense 0–0 draw, the second-tier side held their nerve to win the penalty shootout 5–4, sending the Buccaneers crashing out . Remarkably, Casric Stars have yet to concede a goal in this year’s competition .

• TS Galaxy Repeat the Feat: The “Rockets” have made a habit of upsetting the odds. TS Galaxy, who famously won the cup as a lower-division side in 2019, knocked out the star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns with a commanding 2–0 victory at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium .

• Stellenbosch End Chiefs’ Defence: The defending champions’ campaign was short-lived. Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated right back in the Round of 32 by Stellenbosch FC, marking an early end to their hopes of retaining the trophy .

These results mean that TS Galaxy is now the only previous winner of the Nedbank Cup remaining in the 2026 field .

2026 Nedbank Cup Quarter-Final Schedule

The quarter-finals are being contested this weekend (March 7-8, 2026), with four intriguing matchups that promise high drama .

Quarter-Final Previews

• AmaZulu vs. Casric Stars (Moses Mabhida Stadium): AmaZulu, seeking their first final since 2010, will start as favourites but face a Casric Stars side brimming with confidence after eliminating Pirates. Usuthu will have to break down a team that has proven incredibly difficult to score against .

• Sekhukhune United vs. Milford FC (Peter Mokaba Stadium): Sekhukhune, the 2022/23 runners-up, have a rare home tie against the current Motsepe Foundation Championship leaders, Milford FC. This is a clash between a top-flight side with final experience and a hungry second-tier team aiming for another upset .

• TS Galaxy vs. Jacksa Spears (Solomon Mahlangu Stadium): As the only former champions left, TS Galaxy carries the mantle for the top flight. They face ABC Motsepe League outfit Jacksa Spears, who have become just the fourth amateur side to reach the quarter-finals . Galaxy will be wary of the giant-killing potential of their opponents.

• Golden Arrows vs. Durban City (King Zwelithini Stadium): This all-Durban derby is the pick of the ties. Golden Arrows, who edged out Stellenbosch 1-0 in the last round, will host Durban City FC. The two KZN sides played to a 1-1 draw earlier in the league season, setting the stage for a tightly contested knockout encounter .

Title Race Intensifies in the Betway Premiership

While the cup provides a thrilling distraction, the Betway Premiership title race remains as gripping as ever, with the “Big Three” looking to bounce back from their cup exits.

Pirates Go Top After Polokwane Victory

Orlando Pirates responded to their cup disappointment by securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. After a goalless first half, the in-form Relebohile Mofokeng broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Although Polokwane equalized late on, Patrick Maswanganyi popped up in stoppage time (90+1′) to snatch all three points for the Sea Robbers, propelling them to the top of the log.

Sundowns’ Unbeaten Run Shockingly Ended

Just days after a massive victory over their title rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns were brought back down to earth. In a shocking turn of events, Golden Arrows defeated the defending champions 1-0. The hero for Arrows was Sede Junior Dion, who scored the winner in the 30th minute, ending Sundowns’ lengthy unbeaten run and proving that there are no easy games in the Betway Premiership.

The Pivotal Clash: Sundowns Conquer Pirates

The title race took a decisive turn when the two giants met at Orlando Stadium. In a crucial top-of-the-table clash, Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates 2-1. The hero for the Brazilians was Brian Luiz, who netted a first-half brace to secure a vital away victory, sending a clear message to their title rivals.

Soweto Derby Dominance: Pirates Thrash Chiefs

The Soweto Derby lived up to its billing with a display of total football from the Buccaneers. At a packed FNB Stadium, Orlando Pirates secured a dominant 3-0 victory over their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs. The victory was a statement of intent from Pirates, while for Chiefs, it compounded a period of intense struggle. Amakhosi’s woes deepened shortly after the derby when they slumped to a third straight league loss, falling 1-0 to Richards Bay. This defeat highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued Kaizer Chiefs this season.

Individual Brilliance: Awards and a Legendary Record

While the team battles rage on, individual players have been stepping into the spotlight.

Mofokeng, Cardoso, and Lilepo Scoop Monthly Accolades

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) announced the Betway Premiership monthly awards for the January–February period, with winners across three categories:

• Player of the Month: Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) – The young sensation was in scintillating form, registering three goals and three assists in six matches, also earning three consecutive Man of the Match awards.

• Coach of the Month: Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns) – The Sundowns coach guided his team to four wins from four matches during the period, including the crucial away victory over Orlando Pirates. He edged out competition from Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou and Stellenbosch FC’s Gavin Hunt.

• Goal of the Month: Glody Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs) – Despite the team’s struggles, Lilepo provided a moment of magic, winning the award for his wonder-strike against Marumo Gallants in January.

Shalulile Makes History

Beyond the monthly awards, a monumental record was broken. Peter Shalulile has cemented his legacy as the PSL’s all-time top goalscorer. The Mamelodi Sundowns forward’s relentless hunger and clinical finishing have seen him surpass previous legends, etching his name into the history books of South African football. He is also the Nedbank Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 15 goals .

What’s Next: Continental Ambitions

As the league and cup seasons heat up, South African clubs are also juggling continental aspirations. The focus will soon shift to Africa, with the CAF Champions League quarter-final matchups set for later in March 2026. South African hopes will be carried by Orlando Pirates, who are involved in the continental showpiece. They will face stiff competition from African giants like Al Ahly and Esperance as they look to bring the title back to South Africa.

The Betway Premiership and the wide-open Nedbank Cup continue to provide non-stop drama, world-class goals, and compelling storylines. Whether it’s the title race, the battle for continental qualification, or the fight for silverware in a cup there for the taking, the beautiful game in South Africa is thriving.