By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) conducted the draw for the 2025/26 Nedbank Cup Last 32, with the big three clubs avoiding each other in the first round.
The competition consists of all 16 PSL clubs, eight from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, and eight from the SAFA leagues.
The draw took place on Thursday, 15 January, at the Nedbank headquarters in Sandton.
Kaizer Chiefs will begin their title defence with a difficult assignment against Stellenbosch FC, a fixture that promises fireworks.
Orlando Pirates were drawn away to Limpopo amateur club Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora United as they continue a recent trend of being drawn against lower-league opposition in the Nedbank Cup.
There are several all–Betway Premiership ties, with Durban City hosting Chippa United, Polokwane City welcoming AmaZulu, Orbit College travelling to Lamontville Golden Arrows, 2019 winners TS Galaxy hosting Marumo Gallants, and Siwelele facing Richards Bay.
The only fourth-tier side in the Last 32, Free State outfit FC Cardinals, take on third-tier Jacksa Spears, who are appearing in the Last 32 for the first time since 2013.
Army Rockets FC from the North West province will host second-tier Casric Stars, while Super Soweto United M-17 welcome current Motsepe Foundation Championship leaders Milford.
One place in the Last 32 remains undecided, pending the conclusion of the Western Cape qualifiers this weekend. The team that advances will host Mpumalanga third-tier side Luthuli Brigades.
This year’s campaign will continue to be known as Ke Yona, Ya rona, inumber number, giving an opportunity to supporters to join in the fun as they stand a chance of winning their loan back through the inumber number innovation, which will keep the supporters glued to the tournament throughout.
The winning team will walk away with a prize money of R7 million as well donate a multi-purpose sports court worth R2 million to a particular school or community of their choice.
“As we celebrate the 19th edition of the Nedbank Cup, ‘More than a number’ reflects our belief that football is about people. It’s about the players who wear the jerseys with pride and the fans whose passion gives the game its soul. This tournament belongs to everyone, and that’s why we call it Ke Yona, Ya Rona,’ explained Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank.
“For nearly 2 decades, the Nedbank Cup has been more than a football tournament – it has also been a platform for opportunity creation, cohesion, and social impact. Through our partnership with The Sports Trust, we’ve taken this impact beyond the pitch, delivering lasting infrastructure and creating pathways for young athletes in under-resourced communities. In fact, through the Nedbank Sport Affinity, over R49 million has been invested in sports facilities and development initiatives over the past 31 years,” says Nobanda.
Nedbank Cup Last 32 Full Draw
Stellenbosch FC v Kaizer Chiefs
Army Rockets FC v Casric Stars
Hungry Lions v AmaTuks
Tshakhuma Tsha Mazivhandila v Orlando Pirates
Durban City FC v Chippa United
Polokwane City FC v AmaZulu FC
SSU M17 v Milford FC
SAFA Western Cape v Luthuli Brigades FC
FC Cardinals v Jacksa Spears
Mkhambathi FC v Lerumo Lions
Upington City FC v Magesi FC
Highbury FC v Sekhukhune United
Golden Arrows v Orbit College FC
Mamelodi Sundowns v Gomora United
TS Galaxy v Marumo Gallants
Siwelele FC v Richards Bay FC
The Nedbank Cup round of 32 is set to be place in the second week of February. Dates, times and venues will be announced in due time.