KZN clubs brace for demanding Nedbank Cup round of 32 assignments

The Nedbank Cup takes centre stage for the remainder of the week, and with it comes the enduring reputation of a competition where dreams are realised and history is rewritten.

KwaZulu-Natal’s heavyweights will once again be eager to break new ground, with the province still searching for another club to lift the prestigious trophy.

Golden Arrows (MTN8 winners) and AmaZulu (formerly Coca-Cola Cup, now Carling Knockout champions) remain the only KZN sides to have tasted silverware in the top flight. This season’s draw has offered no favours, with all provincial representatives handed daunting assignments against Betway Premiership opposition.

Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs will officially begin their title defence, while the likes of AmaZulu and Durban City have enjoyed relatively strong league campaigns and will be looking to build on their positive start to the season, with both currently positioned inside the top eight.

With four KZN sides involved, the onus will be on each to seize the opportunity and make a deep run. Here is a breakdown of their Round of 32 encounters and the challenges that lie ahead.

Durban City vs Chippa United

Barely a week after their league meeting, City and Chippa United renew hostilities, this time in knockout football. The Chilli Boys emerged 2–0 victors in their previous encounter, dealing a blow to City’s impressive league run.

With the tie now shifting to their home ground, Durban City will be determined to settle the score and reignite their momentum. Head coach Sinethemba Badela will also relish another opportunity to get one over his former side, as City look to improve on last season’s quarter-final finish and go one step further in this year’s competition.

Golden Arrows vs Orbit College

Golden Arrows’ season has been a mixed bag, marked by flashes of promise and frustrating inconsistency. While performances have often hinted at progress, results have not always reflected their potential.

Experienced coach Manqoba Mngqithi will face newly promoted Orbit College for the second time this season, having already overseen a convincing 3–0 league victory earlier in the campaign. With that result in mind, Abafana Bes’thende will enter the clash as favourites to advance.

Siwelele FC vs Richards Bay FC

Little has separated the two sides so far this season, and a decisive outcome will be required when they meet in this high-stakes encounter.

After spending much of the first half of the campaign hovering near the relegation zone, both teams have shown signs of improvement, gradually edging closer to the top-eight positions. With the Nedbank Cup renowned for its unpredictability and openness to surprise runs, both will sense a genuine opportunity. Richards Bay, however, face a tough trip to Bloemfontein, a venue that has proven difficult for visiting sides.

Polokwane City vs AmaZulu

AmaZulu’s pedigree in this competition is well established. As one of the country’s oldest clubs, Usuthu have finished runners-up on six previous occasions and will be keen to finally go one better.

Their encouraging start to the season positions them as a serious contender, particularly given the unpredictable nature of knockout football. Standing in their way is a disciplined and consistent Rise and Shine outfit outfit under Phuti Mohafe, whose side will test Usuthu’s resolve and ambition from the outset.