The Nedbank Cup Last 16 kicks off on Friday, promising a thrilling weekend of action, with potential upsets, plenty of goals and the chance that history will be made.
Here is a statistical look at the eight ties in this round.
Friday, February 20 – 19h00
These two sides have met on seven previous occasions, with Richards Bay leading the head-to-head 3-2, with two draws. AmaZulu have only been to the quarter-finals once since 2012, which was two years ago, so they can complete a rare feat. Richards Bay’s only last-eight appearance was in 2021. Richards Bay have scored 23 and conceded 23 goals in 13 previous Nedbank Cup ties (W5 D1 L7), so there are usually goals in their games.
Saturday, February 21 – 15h00
Upington made their Nedbank Cup debut in the last round as they edged topflight Magesi FC on penalties following a 0-0 draw. They are now seeking a second scalp from the elite league, but are still waiting for their first outright win, and first goal, in the competition. They are a tough nut to crack at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, with only two defeats all season (W5 D4) in all competitions. Durban City are not the best of travellers, with a single away win since August (D3 L5). These two sides met in the Motsepe Foundation Championship last year and Durban City won both games.
TS Galaxy vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Saturday, February 21 – 15h00
This will be a tricky clash away in Mpumalanga, where Sundowns do not have the best of records, going winless in their last three visits (D2 L1). But overall they have had the better of the battles with Galaxy, winning six and drawing five to go with two defeats. The Rockets have only made the quarter-finals once since their unlikely triumph as a second-tier side in 2019. Sundowns hold the record for most Nedbank Cup matches played (65), won (48) and goals scored (146), and have only failed to reach the quarter-finals three times (2011, 2017 and 2019).
Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Stellenbosch FC
Saturday, February 21 – 18h00
There is a remarkably similar head-to-head record between these sides too, with Golden Arrows managing two wins in 13 ties, to go with six victories for Stellenbosch and five draws. In games in Durban, it is even more stark, with Abafana Bes’thende yet to record a home victory against the Winelands club. The latter have two wins to go with four draws. This will be a first-ever cup clash between the sides, with Stellenbosch having made the quarter-finals in each of the last three seasons. Golden Arrows have not been there since 2019.
Orlando Pirates vs Casric Stars
Saturday, February 21 – 18h00
Pirates have become the kings of the Nedbank Cup in recent years as they chase a fourth final in a row, where they will hope to make up for defeat against Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs in last year’s decider. That is remarkably Pirates’ only defeat in 18 Nedbank Cup matches (W14 D3), since a 4-1 loss to Sundowns in 2021. Casric Stars will be away for the fourth successive time in the competition, having never had a home Nedbank Cup tie. They beat third-tier Army Rockets in the last round.
Sunday, February 22 – 15h00
Milford hold the distinction of reaching the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup for the third time, but have never won a match outright in the competition. They have twice needed penalties following draws and received a bye in 2025. They have never been beyond the Last 16 stage. Mkhambathi defeated another second-tier outfit in Lerumo Lions to book their Last 16 place and will hope for a repeat against their provincial rivals. Milford have turned their home into a fortress this season, with a single defeat in 10 games in all competitions (W8 D1). They have only conceded two goals in that time.
Jacksa Spears vs CR Vasco da Gama
Sunday, February 22 – 15h00
A tie that ensures there will be at least one amateur side in the quarter-finals for only the fourth time after Baroka FC (2011), Summerfield Dynamos (2022) and Dondol Stars (2023). Both these sides netted four goals in the Last 32, a joint record with Pirates, having both come up against fellow lower-league opponents. Vasco were Nedbank Cup semi-finalists in 2015 before they sold their status to Stellenbosch FC a year later. Spears’ only other appearance in the Nedbank Cup came in 2013 when they exited in the first round.
University of Pretoria vs Sekhukhune United
Sunday, February 22 – 15h00
A battle between two previous losing finalists as University of Pretoria (2009) and Sekhukhune United (2023) look to banish those bitter memories. It was not so long ago that this was a second-tier fixture and the teams played to a pair of draws in the 2020/21 season. Sekhukhune are used to playing away from home in the Nedbank Cup. Only four of their previous 14 Nedbank Cup ties have been played in front of their own fans, and none of their last three. AmaTuks know a thing or two about penalty shoot-outs, two of their last four ties have needed spot-kicks, with a defeat to Sundowns in 2024 and victory in the last round against Hungry Lions.