Kaizer Chiefs begin the defence of their Nedbank Cup crown riding a wave of history, momentum and defensive solidity as they prepare to face Stellenbosch FC in the Round of 32.
Amakhosi lifted a record-extending 14th Nedbank Cup title last season after edging arch-rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May 2025, with Gaston Sirino and Yusuf Maart on target either side of Evidence Makgopa’s equaliser.
This encounter marks the sixth cup meeting between Chiefs and Stellenbosch and the fourth in the Nedbank Cup, a competition in which Amakhosi have dominated this fixture. Chiefs have won all three previous Nedbank Cup clashes between the sides, including a 3-1 victory in last season’s quarterfinals. Overall, Chiefs remain unbeaten in regulation time against Stellies in cup football, winning four and drawing one of their five previous encounters.
The teams have already crossed paths this season. Stellenbosch knocked Chiefs out of the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup after a goalless draw and a penalty-shootout win, while Amakhosi responded with a 2-0 league victory in Cape Town on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign.
Chiefs’ form and defensive run
Chiefs arrive in red-hot form, having won four consecutive matches by 1-0 scorelines, extending their unbeaten run to seven games across all competitions. They have kept six straight clean sheets and have gone 626 minutes without conceding, underlining their growing defensive resilience.
The Soweto giants have now recorded 15 clean sheets in 24 matches this season, with their most recent outing a 1-0 home win over ZESCO United in the CAF Confederation Cup on 1 February. Forward Glody Lilepo has found the net in Chiefs’ last two matches, taking his season tally to five goals.
Nedbank Cup pedigree
Chiefs’ Round of 32 pedigree in the PSL era is formidable. They have played 28 Round of 32 matches, winning 23 and losing just five. Twenty of those victories were achieved in regulation time, with none decided by penalties. Since 1996/97, Chiefs have won 11 of 12 Nedbank Cup opening ties played away from home.
As defending champions, Chiefs have progressed from the Round of 32 twice before in the PSL era, with their only elimination at this stage coming in 2006/07.
Kaizer Chiefs are the most decorated club in the history of the Nedbank Cup, having reached 20 finals and lifted the trophy 14 times. Last season’s triumph was particularly significant, as Chiefs won all five matches in regulation time, including semifinal and final victories over Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
With history firmly on their side and confidence high, Amakhosi will look to take another decisive step in their bid for back-to-back Nedbank Cup glory—though a Stellenbosch side with recent penalty-shootout success over Chiefs will be eager to rewrite the script.