JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The 2026 Nedbank Cup is living up to its “Cup of Dreams” moniker, delivering thrills and surprises in equal measure. Following a weekend of dramatic upsets, the official draw for the semi-finals, held on Monday night, has set the stage for an unforgettable climax to this year’s competition. The draw has guaranteed a fresh chapter in South African football history, with the “Big Three” Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs all now watching from the sidelines.
The Semi-Final Matchups
The unseeded draw, conducted live on Extra Time, has produced two compelling matchups set for the weekend of 4–5 April 2026:
| Home Team | Away Team | League Status |
|---|---|---|
| TS Galaxy | Milford FC | Betway Premiership vs. Motsepe Foundation |
| Durban City FC | Casric Stars | Betway Premiership vs. Motsepe Foundation |
Can the “Rockets” Repeat History?
TS Galaxy enters the semi-finals as the favorites. Having lifted the trophy as a second-tier side in 2019, Sead Ramovic’s men now stand as the giants of the competition. Their 2-0 victory over Jacksa Spears in the quarter-finals showed the discipline and focus needed to thrive in the high-pressure knockout rounds.
However, standing in their way is the tournament’s biggest surprise package: Milford FC. The KwaZulu-Natal side, who shocked Sekhukhune United in a nerve-wracking 3-2 penalty shootout, have proven they have the grit and determination to take on top-tier opposition.
The Battle of Resilience
The second semi-final promises to be a hard-fought contest between Durban City FC and Casric Stars. Durban City has made it to the final four through sheer resilience, advancing via three consecutive penalty shootouts. Their nail-biting 5-4 victory over Golden Arrows has earned them the title of “Penalty Kings” for 2026.
Their opponents, Casric Stars, have been playing some of the most attractive football in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Casric’s 2-1 win over AmaZulu FC secured their place in the semis, proving they are more than capable of holding their own on the big stage.
A Historic Final Looms
With two lower-league sides Milford FC and Casric Stars drawn against top-flight teams, the 2026 edition holds the exciting possibility of an all-second-tier final on May 2nd. However, should TS Galaxy and Durban City prevail, football fans will be treated to an all-Betway Premiership showdown between two tactical powerhouses eager for their first major silverware in years.
What’s Next?
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is expected to announce the venues and kick-off times for the semi-finals later this week. Given the exciting matchups, tickets are expected to be in high demand as fans across the country rally behind these incredible underdog stories.
A historic finish is on the horizon, who will lift the coveted Nedbank Cup trophy? The drama is far from over!
