by NJABULO MKHIZE
PRETORIA, (CAJ News) – THE 2026 Nedbank Cup Last 32 round produced drama and major stories across South African football on Wednesday, with several high‑profile teams seeing their campaigns take unexpected turns.
At the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, Stellenbosch FC emerged as one of Wednesday’s big winners, stunning defending champions Kaizer Chiefs 2‑1 to eliminate the Glamour Boys from the Nedbank Cup at the first hurdle.
Ibraheem Jabaar opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 10th minute before Devin Titus doubled Stellenbosch’s advantage, only for Chiefs’ Flavio da Silva to pull one back — but it wasn’t enough to keep Kaizer Chiefs alive in the tournament.
In the capital Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns survived a scare from Gomora United, edging the lower‑tier side 2‑1 to progress.
Goals from Peter Shalulile and Thapelo Morena sealed the win after Gomora’s Mpho Maoke had equalized, but Sundowns’ performance left fans questioning whether the multiple title winners are fully dialed in as the season unfolds.
These results cut the field from 32 teams down to 16 remaining in the competition. With giant killers like Stellenbosch now into the next round, the classic ‘David vs Goliath’ appeal of the Nedbank Cup — where clubs from lower leagues and amateur divisions face Betway Premiership sides — is already in full display.
Stellenbosch’s victory over Chiefs ranks among the more notable upsets early in this season’s tournament, given that Kaizer Chiefs were last year’s Nedbank Cup winners and a perennial contender.
That last triumph ended a decade‑long trophy drought for Chiefs, highlighting the pedigree they carry into every knockout tie.
Sundowns’ narrow win also underscores how seriously even elite PSL teams are treating the Cup.
A slip in form or a surprise late challenge from an underdog squad could spell an early exit for any top side, especially with lower‑division fatigue and fixture congestion at play.
The Nedbank Cup carries substantial financial incentives, with the winner set to receive R7 million, while the runner‑up takes R2.5 million.
Beyond the prestige and nationwide attention, this prize boost can be transformative — particularly for smaller clubs that reach later stages, helping fund infrastructure, player development and operations.
As action continues this weekend, several compelling matchups are lined up:
Clubs like Orlando Pirates and Durban City will look to cement their places in the Last 16, aiming to use cup momentum to fuel their league campaigns.
Underdogs such as FC Cardinals and Hungry Lions could spring more surprises if their cup form continues.
Looking ahead, Mamelodi Sundowns remain favourites to go far given squad depth and experience, but this edition already suggests giant killings are far from rare.
Kaizer Chiefs’ early exit opens the bracket, giving sides like Stellenbosch — and potentially other mid‑table PSL teams — a clearer path to the latter stages. Lower‑tier teams that navigate to the Last 16 will draw increasing attention and could upset even more established names.
With prize money and CAF Confederation Cup qualification on the line, the Nedbank Cup continues to be one of South Africa’s most unpredictable and exciting competitions — truly embodying the romantic ‘Cup of Upsets’ spirit.
– CAJ News