by NJABULO MKHIZE
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – THE 2025/26 Nedbank Cup Round of 32 produced an action‑packed weekend of cup football with several Premier Soccer League (PSL) sides booking their places in the Round of 16 and lower‑division teams striving for giant‑killing glory.
On Saturday, 7 February, Orlando Pirates put on a clinical performance at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, comfortably defeating ABC Motsepe League side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 4–1 to advance to the next round.
The Soweto giants were commanding from the start, with a well‑taken penalty by Andre de Jong putting them ahead early before goals from Patrick Maswanganyi, Sipho Mbule, and an own goal sealed a dominant victory for Pirates.
The result ensures Orlando Pirates remain strong contenders for another deep Nedbank Cup run this season.
Also on Saturday, several lower‑ranked teams impressed.
Sekhukhune United continued their cup push with a narrow 1–0 win over Highbury FC in Port Elizabeth, showcasing tactical discipline and clinical finishing against their National First Division opponents.
Meanwhile in the ABC Motsepe League contingent of fixtures, Jacksa Spears produced a significant 4–2 victory over FC Cardinals to book their spot in the last 16, underlining the unpredictable magic of Nedbank Cup football where upsets are always on the cards.
Sunday’s action saw more top‑flight clubs secure their progression.
TS Galaxy emerged victorious in a tight encounter against Marumo Gallants, punching through with a 1–0 win to earn their spot in the Round of 16.
The sole goal came in extra time, underscoring the competitive nature of knockout football at this stage and Galaxy’s resolve to build momentum in the competition.
In Durban, Golden Arrows continued their cup campaign with a strong performance against Orbit College FC, eventually sealing a 3–0 victory and showcasing their blend of attacking intent and defensive solidity.
Arrows’ balanced approach suggests they could be a dangerous team in the later stages of the tournament if they maintain consistency.
Also on Sunday, Upington City delivered one of the weekend’s stand‑out upsets by defeating Magesi FC, while Mkhamathi FC progressed with a 2–1 win over Lerumo Lions.
These results highlight the depth of talent in South African football beyond the PSL ranks and the Nedbank Cup’s role as a platform for emerging clubs to seize the spotlight.
Elsewhere, Siwelele FC and Richards Bay played out a thrilling contest that went to penalties, with Siwelele advancing after a 3–3 draw and holding their nerve in the shootout to book their Round of 16 berth.
With the Round of 32 now concluded, the picture is becoming clearer as the tournament moves toward the last 16.
Clubs like Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy, Golden Arrows, and Sekhukhune United have asserted themselves and will be among the favourites to go even further, while giant‑killings from lower‑division sides keep the competition’s unpredictable magic very much alive.
As teams prepare for the next round, continuity of form, tactical cohesion, and squad depth will be key factors — especially for those Premier Soccer League sides looking to balance cup ambitions with league campaigns.
Fans can anticipate more drama, standout individual performances, and memorable cup moments as South Africa’s premier knockout football competition unfolds.
– CAJ News