NEDBANK KICKS OF 19 YEARS OF UNFORGETTABLE FOOTBALL MOMENTS WITH ‘MORE THAN A NUMBER’

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Nedbank have officially launched the 2026 Nedbank Cup, marking the 19th edition of South Africa’s premier knockout football competition.

The launch featured the highly anticipated Round of 32 draw, setting the stage for another season of compelling football action.

Renowned for its David vs Goliath encounters, the Nedbank Cup continues to unite clubs from across the South African football fraternity, offering both professional and emerging teams an opportunity to compete on 1 national stage.

The launch builds on a memorable 2025 Nedbank Cup, which delivered thrilling moments in local football. Kaizer Chiefs claimed the title after a hard-fought final against former champions Orlando Pirates – a match that once again highlighted the quality, competitiveness, and passion that define the tournament.

The official Round of 32 draw produced a series of intriguing fixtures, setting up the potential for high-stakes clashes as teams begin their Nedbank Cup journey.

Nedbank Cup Round of 32 draw results:

Stellenbosch FC vs. Kaizer Chiefs

Army Rockets vs. Casric Stars

Hungry Lions FC vs. University of Pretoria

Tshakuma Tsha Mazivhandila vs. Orlando Pirates

Durban City FC vs. Chippa United

Polokwane City vs. Amazulu FC

SSU M17 FC vs. Milford FC

To Be Confirmed (Western Cape) vs. Luthuli Brigades FC

FC Cardinals vs. JackSa Spears

Mkhambathi FC vs. Lerumo Lions FC

Upington City FC vs. Magesi FC

Highbury FC vs. Sekhukhune United

Lamontville Golden Arrows vs. Orbit College

Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Gomora United

TS Galaxy vs. Marumo Gallants

Siwelele FC vs. Richards Bay FC

As the 19th edition of the tournament kicks off, the 2026 Nedbank Cup introduces ‘More than anumber’, a themethat celebrates the people and stories behind the game. In football, a jersey number is never just a number; it represents identity, legacy, and history.

Similarly, South African football fans are more than a statistic; they are the heartbeat that keeps the beautiful game alive.’ As we celebrate the 19th edition of the Nedbank Cup, ‘More than anumber’ 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.

Through ‘More than anumber’, Nedbank continues to celebrate the stories and loyalty that fans attach to their teams and iconic jersey numbers – proving that in football, a number is never just a number; it means more.

This thinking carries to the ‘Score your loan’ competition, where fans can bring that same excitement off the pitch. When a goal is scored and the first digit of a fan’s Nedbank Personal Loan matches the first digit of the goal scorer’s jersey number, they could win the full amount of their loan up to R50 000.

Beyond the action of this prestigious tournament, the Nedbank Cup continues to deliver a meaningful legacy through Nedbank’s Sport Affinity programme, with a strong focus on grassroots development and the ongoing handover of multipurpose sports courts in communities across South Africa.’

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.

By linking the power of football to real rewards, Nedbank is giving fans more than just a seat in the stands – it’s a chance to be truly celebrated and to score in more ways than one.

As the tournament unfolds from February through May, Nedbank and the PSL will continue to bring fans closer to the game through immersive content, matchday experiences,and storytelling that celebrates South Africa’s football culture.

For fixtures, updates, and more information,go to nedbankcup.co.za or follow @NedbankSport on social media. INFO SUPPLIED

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *