Stellenbosch FC will host Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday in what is widely regarded as the standout fixture of the Nedbank Cup round of 32, as South Africa’s premier knockout competition returns with its trademark blend of giants and underdogs.
The Nedbank Cup remains unique in the local football calendar as the only competition that brings together clubs from across the football pyramid. All 16 Betway Premiership sides enter the draw alongside eight teams from the Motsepe Foundation Championship and a further eight from the amateur ranks, creating the potential for mismatches – and memorable shocks.
While the Motsepe Foundation Championship is a fully professional league administered by the Premier Soccer League, the third and fourth tiers fall under the jurisdiction of the South African Football Association, making the Nedbank Cup the sole tournament where amateur teams can face top-flight opposition.
History has shown both extremes. In 2012, Mamelodi Sundowns recorded a staggering 24–0 win over Powerlines FC. Yet the competition has also produced iconic upsets, none more so than in 2013 when Maluti FET College stunned Orlando Pirates 4–1, just months after the Buccaneers had completed a trophy treble.
This year’s edition again features eight teams from the Motsepe Foundation Championship and eight from the amateur ranks, renewing hopes of another Cinderella run deep into the tournament.
The headline clash sees Stellenbosch FC take on Kaizer Chiefs at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday, 4 February, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 CAT. The match comes hot on the heels of both clubs’ CAF Confederation Cup outings on Sunday. Stellenbosch head into the tie after a heavy 3–0 home defeat to CR Belouizdad, while Chiefs arrive buoyed by a 1–0 win over ZESCO United at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The encounter will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 202. At the same time, Sundowns’ round of 32 clash against Motsepe Foundation Championship strugglers Gomora United at Loftus Versfeld will air on channel 208.
Elsewhere, Orlando Pirates are in action on Saturday, 7 February, when they face Tshakhuma FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with kick-off set for 15:00 CAT and live coverage on channel 202.
With the full slate of round of 32 fixtures spread across the country over the coming days, the stage is set once again for the Nedbank Cup’s familiar mix of heavyweight clashes and potential giant-killings as clubs chase silverware and a place in South African football folklore.