By Ntsako Mkhari and Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Nedbank Cup Last 16 promises a mix of exciting encounters, including KwaZulu Natal derbies, heavyweight clashes and match-ups featuring amateur sides eager to make history in South Africa’s premier knockout competition.
The round is scheduled to be played between 21 and 24 February, with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) expected to confirm the exact dates, venues and kick-off times in due course.
There will be a new champion this year after defending champions Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated by Stellenbosch FC in the Round of 32.
Nedbank Cup Last 16 fixtures:
Milford FC vs Mkhambathi FC
Golden Arrows vs Stellenbosch FC
Jacks Spears vs Vasco da Gama
TS Galaxy vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Upington City vs Durban City
Richards Bay vs AmaZulu
Orlando Pirates vs Casric Stars
University of Pretoria vs Sekhukhune United.
Reflecting on the importance of this stage of the competition, Nthabiseng Matshekga, Executive Head of Integrated Marketing and Experience at Nedbank, says: “The Round of 16 marks a defining chapter in the 2025/2026 Nedbank Cup. At this stage, the margins grow thinner and the pressure intensifies with every decision, duel, and goal shaping a team’s destiny. It’s where ambition meets resilience and where those determined to lift the trophy must demonstrate the composure and character required to move one step closer to glory.”
Adding to the tournament excitement, Nedbank is bringing fans even closer to the action through its More Than a Number theme, which celebrates the powerful stories behind the game. In football, a jersey number is more than a digit; it carries identity, legacy and history. And just as players wear their numbers with pride, fans bring the passion and spirit that fuel South African football.
Matshekga notes that the campaign underscores the deeply personal connection fans have with the sport. “Every jersey number carries a story, just as every supporter brings their own journey, ambition, and identity to the game,” she says. Through fan-focused initiatives like Score Your Loan, Nedbank is turning key match moments into meaningful financial opportunities by rewarding not only the goals scored on the field but also the personal goals clients are striving towards. When a goal is scored and the first digit of a fan’s Nedbank Personal Loan amount matches the first digit of the goal scorer’s jersey number, that fan stands a chance to win the outstanding balance of their loan, up to R50 000.
Through qualifying Nedbank products, fans are invited to participate as active contributors to the tournament and not merely spectators. Supporters can engage in campaign challenges, competitions, and immersive content experiences during every round of the tournament via the Nedbank Cup website, broadcast platforms, and social media channels, ensuring they are seen, heard, and celebrated throughout the journey.
As the tournament unfolds from February through May, the 2026 Nedbank Cup promises not only intense on-field action but also meaningful fan experiences that showcase the enduring magic of one of South Africa’s most prestigious knockout competitions.