PIC: Aubrey Modiba is hoping Mamelodi Sundowns can reclaim the Nedbank Cup

The Nedbank Cup Last 32 will kick off on Wednesday with two intriguing ties as Stellenbosch FC host defending champions Kaizer Chiefs and giants Mamelodi Sundowns welcome second-tier Gomora United.
It is the start of the long road to the final, where the champions for the 2025–26 season will be crowned.

We round up what the players and coaches are saying ahead of the Last 32 clashes, where upsets and drama have become a tradition over the years.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will go all out against third-tier TTM:
“I want to tell you that we are going to approach the Nedbank Cup in the same way that we have approached all the competitions since the beginning of the season. Every game that we are going to play, we play them to win every competition that we start, we start this competition to win. So yeah, it's really, really an important target for us. The Nedbank Cup is a competition that we are going to take seriously, and we will put the strongest team out to play.”

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila manager Azwihangwisi Phasha on facing giants Orlando Pirates:
“Being matched against a top Premier League team gives us hope that we can advance to the last-16 stage. Our players are ready to handle the pressure and are determined to give their best. We are prepared to absorb any amount of heat. Playing against a bigger side only motivates us to perform at our highest level.”

Orlando Pirates midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja on facing TTM in the Last 32:
“Pirates play every competition to win it, so we’re going to do our best this time as well and hopefully we can win it. As a professional team, we have to take every game seriously, even if the opponents come from the lower divisions. They deserve respect, so it’s a game we are looking forward to.”

Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt on hosting Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday:
“It’s better when you play a game like this because you can test people. Is it a home game? Obviously, the crowd will be more on their side. So it’s a good test for me to see what I’ve got. The mentality has been excellent, and that’s what we’re trying to get back in the team. Wednesday is another good test and hopefully a couple of guys who came through today will be OK by then.”

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef on the quick turnaround after their 1-0 win over ZESCO United in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday:
“As you can see, we have to finish this game and then think about the Nedbank Cup and Stellenbosch just two days later. We don’t have time to rest, we have to continue to work. Congratulations to the players, I’m very proud of them.”

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen on facing Stellenbosch again in the Nedbank Cup after beating them in 2025:
“Stellenbosch again. This is my third time drawing Stellenbosch in a cup competition. It’s always an exciting fixture and it’s something that brings the crowd, especially in Cape Town where our supporters come out in their numbers. We always look forward to playing Stellenbosch because it’s guaranteed exciting football.”

Gomora United striker Mxolisi Macuphu on the opportunity to face Mamelodi Sundowns:
“Every player goes into a cup competition wanting to do well. We are going into the game to win and give it our all. This is an opportunity for some of our youngsters who have been doing well to get recognition. It’s also another chance for the club, in terms of marketing and branding, to be known. These are the games we need. A draw like Sundowns allows us to showcase to the whole country what Gomora is made of. From a business sense, it’s the best draw, and in football terms, it’s also the best draw for some of our players to get recognition.”

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba on facing Gomora United:
“It is going to be a very interesting and tough game. The so-called small teams are selling themselves, so it’s going to be very interesting. We want to do better than last season, which means reaching the final and hopefully winning it. This competition has been eluding us for a long time and we just want to make our supporters happy. We have to apply ourselves.”

Durban City coach Sinethemba Badela on facing Chippa United again after a 2-0 league defeat on Friday:
“They know us and we know them. The game won’t be won or lost on Friday, it will be won or lost at training. It’s up to us now to lift the boys and make sure we have a very good week of training heading into the Nedbank Cup in front of our supporters. I’m sure we will play much better on a better pitch at home.”

CR Vasco da Gama coach Andrew Pequeno reflects on last season’s 7-0 loss to TS Galaxy as they face fellow third-tier side Luthuli Brigades in the 2026 Last 32:
“We have the ability to compete. There was a 30- to 40-minute spell where we competed well, and then the legs went on a big field and TS Galaxy completed the job they set out to do. We learned a lot and the players realised the level they need to be at. Since then, the intensity at training and the maturity the boys have shown has been excellent.”