The PSL has officially set the stage for the 2025/26 Nedbank Cup, revealing the highly anticipated Round of 32 schedule.
This year’s ‘Ke Yona’ Cup promises high-stakes drama as defending champions Kaizer Chiefs prepare to defend their crown against a familiar foe in the opening clash.
The tournament kicks off on Friday, 4 February, with a blockbuster fixture. Chiefs will travel to Cape Town to face Stellenbosch FC at the Cape Town Stadium.
This match is a repeat of last season’s quarter-final, where Amakhosi triumphed 3-1. However, with Gavin Hunt now at the helm of the Cape Winelands side, the stakes have never been higher.
On the same day, reigning Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns will begin their campaign at home. The Brazilians are set to host lower-tier outfit Gomora United at Loftus Versfeld.
Last season’s runners-up, Orlando Pirates, make a trip to the north. The Buccaneers will travel to face Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM]. While Pirates are looking to go one step further than their 2025 final appearance, they will be wary of TTM’s history as former champions of this very tournament.
PETERSEN AND CHIEFS SET SIGHTS ON TITLE DEFENCE
Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen has sent a clear message to the rest of the league by stating that they aren’t just participating—they’re protecting their crown. “Going into the cup last season was for us to try to end the drought, and now that we’ve ended it, our mindset is to defend it,” Petersen declared. “For us, it’s important to show we’re not a one-hit wonder.”
The Amakhosi goalie also highlighted the atmosphere this fixture generates, noting that a trip to Cape Town is a guaranteed crowd-puller.
As the Betway Premiership heats up, the Nedbank Cup offers Chiefs a parallel path to glory. After defeating Pirates 2-1 in last year’s historic final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the pressure is no longer about “breaking the curse”—it’s about becoming the ‘Cup Kings’ of SA football once again.
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