Three of the four semi-finalists from last season’s Nedbank Cup are through to the last sixteen of the 2024 edition.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates, last season’s finalist Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC, who lost to Sekhukhune in the last four, all booked their places.
However while Orlando Pirates flew through with a comfortable six goal win, it was nervy moments for Sekhukhune and Stellenbosch, who both needed penalty shootout wins to advance.
It was not so fortunate for the other semi-finalist from last season, Kaizer Chiefs, who lost to Milford via a shootout in the round of the 32’s biggest upset.
The other ‘upset’ was AmaTuks beating Cape Town Spurs, however it should be noted that Tuks are top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, while Spurs are rock bottom in the DStv Premiership.
Amongst the favourites also to progress were Mamelodi Sundowns, who like Pirates, scored six goals in a big win. Neighbours SuperSport United, who have always been a good cup team, also booked their place after beating Cape Town City in shootout.
Other Premiership teams who are through are AmaZulu, TS Galaxy, Moroka Swallows, Richards Bay and Chippa United.
While only AmaTuks and Milford beat top flight teams, two other second tier teams – Maritzburg United and Hungry Lions – also won their matches and booked their spots.
The two remaining SAFA leagues teams are the Free State’s D’General and Eastern Cape’s FC Ravens. Both teams were involved in all-SAFA league games in the round of 32.
The teams have found out who they play in the Last 16 in Monday evening’s draw.
