Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates or a dark horse - Who needs the Nedbank Cup most?

Every cup competition needs an underdog and Durban City are this year’s fairytale story. The National First Division leaders have defied the odds to reach the quarter-finals and are now dreaming of a triumph to progress further in the competition.

With promotion to the Premier Soccer League firmly in their sights, the Nedbank Cup offers the Team of Choice a platform to showcase their talent on a national stage. Hosting Marumo Gallants in the quarter-finals, they will believe anything is possible as they continue their remarkable journey.

Gallants’ impressive run to the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final round earlier this season highlighted their knack for delivering in high-stakes matches. That experience will serve them well as they look to build on their recent progress and push for another deep cup run. 

Despite their league struggles, Gallants have proven they can be a dangerous opponent in knockout football. A quarter-final clash against lower-league side Durban City presents a golden opportunity to reach the last four and keep their silverware ambitions alive.

Sekhukhune United have emerged as one of the most ambitious clubs in South African football, with significant investment fuelling their rise. However, the club’s financial backing has not yet translated into silverware and their progress has been overshadowed by off-field turmoil.

The recent departure of coach Lehlohonolo Seema just days before their quarter-final clash with Mamelodi Sundowns adds another layer of uncertainty. Despite the upheaval, Babina Noko’s squad boasts experienced players capable of springing a surprise. Winning the Nedbank Cup would be a huge statement of intent and a reward for the club’s rapid growth.

Stellenbosch have quietly established themselves as one of the most exciting teams in South African football. Under the guidance of Steve Barker, the Maroons are enjoying a fine run of form, unbeaten in their last six outings. Their blend of youth and experience has made them one of the toughest teams to beat.

With only the Carling Knockout Cup title under their belt, Stellies will be eager to add the Nedbank Cup to their list of achievements as they host silverware-starved Kaizer Chiefs.

Gavin Hunt’s legacy as one of South Africa’s finest coaches is secure, but the four-time league winner’s recent years have been marked by frustration, with his last piece of silverware dating back to the 2017/18 season with now-defunct Bidvest Wits.

The Nedbank Cup represents a golden opportunity for Hunt to remind everyone of his pedigree. A quarter-final showdown against Orlando Pirates will be a stern test, but victory could inspire Matsatsantsa to go all the way and add another trophy to their proud history.

The Glamour Boys’ decade-long trophy drought is a cloud that has hung over the club for far too long. Once the most dominant force in South African football, Chiefs have struggled to find their way back to the top. The arrival of Nasreddine Nabi ahead of the 2024/25 season brought renewed hope, but the Tunisian coach needs silverware to fully convince the club’s passionate supporters that his revolution is truly underway.

Winning the Nedbank Cup would not only mark a turning point in Chiefs' fortunes but could act as a catalyst for a new era under Nabi. With pressure mounting, a deep cup run would give the squad confidence heading into next season. However, they face a difficult away trip against Stellenbosch.

The Brazilians have been the dominant force in South African football for nearly a decade, but their record in domestic cup competitions remains surprisingly poor. Despite their relentless PSL success, Sundowns have often faltered in knockout tournaments, raising questions about their ability to handle the pressure of one-off games.

Miguel Cardoso is still finding his feet in his debut season and winning the Nedbank Cup would strengthen his position. Sundowns' squad is arguably the strongest in the country, but they must prove they can translate their league dominance into cup success. They face Sekhukhune United in the quarter-finals, a side they cannot afford to underestimate.

Jose Riveiro's future at Orlando Pirates is currently hanging in the balance with a few months remaining on his contract and increasing interests coming in from Europe. If this is the Spaniard’s final stretch of his time at Bucs, he will be determined to sign off with another trophy. 

The Buccaneers have established themselves as a cup team under his leadership, winning five cup titles since his appointment back in 2022. However, their inconsistency in the Premier Soccer League means the Nedbank Cup is probably their best shot at silverware on the domestic front this campaign.

If Riveiro can guide Pirates to another Nedbank Cup triumph, he would leave behind a legacy of success in knockout competitions. Pirates’ squad is packed with talent, but they would have to navigate a tricky quarter-final clash against SuperSport United to keep their hopes alive.

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