With South Africa’s traditional “Big Three”—Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns—all watching from the sidelines, the path to glory has been blown wide open in this season’s Nedbank Cup.
With South Africa’s traditional “Big Three”—Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns—all watching from the sidelines, the path to glory has been blown wide open in this season’s Nedbank Cup.
In a campaign defined by giant-killing, two Motsepe Foundation Championship sides stunned the top-flight elite, proving once again that in knockout football, the scoreboard doesn’t care about reputation.
Read: 10-man Durban City defeat Golden Arrows to reach Nedbank Cup semi-finals
SBN unpacks the quarter‑finals: the key moments, the drama, and how it all played out.
Casric Stars Stun AmaZulu in Extra-Time Thriller
Casric Stars proved their Round of 16 victory over Orlando Pirates was no fluke. Facing AmaZulu at the formidable Moses Mabhida Stadium, the visitors displayed incredible resilience to secure a 2–1 victory after 120 minutes of grueling football.
The emotional weight of the achievement was clear as chairman and coach Bucks Mthombeni was moved to tears at the final whistle. It was a cinematic moment for the lower-league side, embodying the very spirit of a competition designed to give the minnows a seat at the table.
Milford FC Keep the Fairy Tale Alive
The theme of the weekend remained “the underdog” as Milford FC faced off against Sekhukhune United. After a tense battle that couldn’t be settled in open play, the KZN representatives held their nerve in a high-stakes shootout.
Winning 3–2 on penalties, they sent the topflight side packing and booked their first-ever semi-final appearance, cementing their status as this season’s dark horses.
Durban City Triumph Against the Odds
Arguably, the most dramatic fixture of the round, Durban City eliminated Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium. The match was a test of character for the Citizens, who played with 10 men for over half an hour, following Athini Jodwana’s 80th-minute red card.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, they forced the game to penalties and remained perfect from the spot, winning 5–4.
TS Galaxy Cruise to Victory
While others struggled through extra time and penalties, TS Galaxy took a more direct route to the final four. They brushed aside Jacksa Spears with a professional 2–0 win at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
The Rockets used their Betway Premiership experience to control the tempo, ensuring they remain the highest-ranked favorites heading into the next stage.
What’s Next?
The field is set. Casric Stars, Milford FC, TS Galaxy, and Durban City are the final four standing in the quest for the trophy, the lucrative prize money and a guaranteed pathway into continental football.
The semi-final draw will take place later this evening to determine who is one game away from contesting the silverware.