The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Nedbank have launched the 19th edition of South Africa’s premier knockout football tournament, the Nedbank Cup.

The much-anticipated Round of 32 draw sets the stage for another season of thrilling matches, with opportunities for both top-tier clubs and emerging teams to shine on the national stage.

Known for its David-and-Goliath clashes, the Nedbank Cup gives smaller clubs the chance to challenge the giants of South African football.

In 2025, Kaizer Chiefs triumphed over Orlando Pirates in a memorable final, highlighting the excitement, competitiveness, and passion that fans in Johannesburg south and across the country have come to expect.

The Round of 32 draw produced intriguing fixtures:

Stellenbosch FC v Kaizer Chiefs

Army Rockets v Casric Stars

Hungry Lions FC v University of Pretoria

Tshakuma Tsha Mazivhandila v Orlando Pirates

Durban City FC v Chippa United

Polokwane City v AmaZulu FC

SSU M17 FC v Milford FC

To Be Confirmed (Western Cape) v Luthuli Brigades FC

FC Cardinals v JackSa Spears

Mkhambathi FC v Lerumo Lions FC

Upington City FC v Magesi FC

Highbury FC v Sekhukhune United

Lamontville Golden Arrows v Orbit College

Mamelodi Sundowns v Gomora United

TS Galaxy v Marumo Gallants

Siwelele FC v Richards Bay FC

This year’s tournament theme, ‘More than a number’, celebrates the people and stories behind the game.

Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank group executive for marketing and corporate affairs, explains: “In football, a jersey number is never just a number; it represents identity, legacy, and history. Fans are more than statistics; they are the heartbeat that keeps the beautiful game alive.”

For football lovers in Alberton and Johannesburg south this means a chance to follow exciting matches, support local heroes, and witness up-and-coming talent take on established PSL clubs.

Fans can also take part in Nedbank’s Score your loan competition, where correct predictions can win personal loan prizes of up to R50 000.

Beyond the pitch, the Nedbank Cup continues to impact communities nationwide through the Sport Affinity programme, which focuses on grassroots development and the handover of multipurpose sports courts.

Over the past 31 years, more than R49m has been invested in sports facilities and development initiatives, benefiting young athletes across South Africa.

The 2026 Nedbank Cup kicks off in February and runs to May.

Fans in Alberton, Johannesburg south, and beyond can follow fixtures, updates, and behind-the-scenes content at nedbankcup.co.za or follow @NedbankSport on social media.