Orlando Pirates, the defending champions, take on SuperSport United in Polokwane to start Saturday’s fixtures. Kaizer Chiefs face Stellenbosch FC later that evening, while Mamelodi Sundowns host Sekhukhune United in Atteridgeville. On Sunday, Durban City meet Marumo Gallants in Durban.
The Nedbank Cup quarter-finals (8-9 March) will see South Africa’s three most popular soccer clubs – Kaizer Chiefs (2602.40), Orlando Pirates (15.57) and Mamelodi Sundowns (1.02) – battling for spots in the semi-finals.
The Magic of the Nedbank Cup
The Nedbank Cup is South Africa’s most prestigious knockout competition, allowing teams from all levels to compete. It features clubs from the Premiership, First Division (Motsepe Foundation Championship), and Second Division (ABC Motsepe League). Lower-league teams must win preliminary rounds to join the top-tier clubs in the round of 32.
The tournament has a history of upsets, with underdogs occasionally eliminating top teams. In 2013, third-tier Maluti FET College stunned Orlando Pirates with a 4-1 win. Kaizer Chiefs were stunned 1-0 by TS Galaxy in the 2019 final in a fixture which turned the online soccer betting odds on their head. While heavyweights often dominate, surprises are always possible.
Quarter-Final Fixtures
SuperSport United vs. Orlando Pirates
(Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, 15:00 CAT – Saturday, 8 March)
Orlando Pirates, winners of the last two Nedbank Cup titles, face a tricky test against SuperSport United. Matsatsantsa, who have won this tournament five times, are rebuilding under Gavin Hunt. While they struggle in the Premiership, they remain dangerous in knockout competitions.
SuperSport showed their ability in a recent 4-1 league win over Kaizer Chiefs. However, Pirates have dominated their recent encounters, winning the last two meetings, with Evidence Makgopa scoring in both. The Buccaneers are favourites, but SuperSport United will carry with them many memories of usurping their more traditionally esteemed rivals. They famously beat Pirates 6-1 in Mbombela in 2016 and are still capable of turning up on their day.
Stellenbosch FC vs. Kaizer Chiefs
(Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha, 18:00 CAT – Saturday, 8 March)
Kaizer Chiefs are South Africa’s most popular club, but they have struggled in recent years, failing to win a major trophy since 2015. Stellenbosch, meanwhile, won the Carling Knockout Cup last season and are emerging as a force in local football.
Steve Barker’s side are well-organised and have the potential to trouble Chiefs. Home ground advantage can make a significant difference, something soccer betting enthusiasts always consider, but Stellies have lost that edge due to the fixture being set for Gqeberha rather than Stellenbosch. Nevertheless, Stellies are as good as Chiefs on paper. This is expected to be one of the closest quarter-final ties.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Sekhukhune United
(Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville, 20:00 CAT – Saturday, 8 March)
Mamelodi Sundowns are South Africa’s dominant force. Backed by the wealth of the Motsepe family, they have the squad depth to dominate even the toughest opponents. They beat Sekhukhune United 4-2 in the league on 26 February and have never lost to Babina Noko.
Sekhukhune sit third in the Premiership and are pushing for a CAF Confederation Cup spot. However, beating Sundowns would be a major shock.
Durban City vs. Marumo Gallants
(Chatsworth Stadium, Durban, 15:00 CAT – Sunday, 9 March)
The only second-tier team left in the tournament, Durban City, host struggling Premiership side Marumo Gallants. The home side, formerly known as Maritzburg United before their 2024 relocation, are currently top of the First Division.
Gallants recently showed their potential by beating Orlando Pirates 2-0. However, Durban City will be motivated to make history. This match will determine which underdog gets a shot at South Africa’s giants in the semi-finals.
