Nedbank Cup: Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs face Stellenbosch test as Mamelodi Sundowns target Cup glory

Stellenbosch FC will host Kaizer Chiefs at DHL Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off 7pm), in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Nedbank Cup round of 32.

Stellenbosch, coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss to Algeria's CR Belouizdad, will be keen to rebound and channel that frustration into a fierce performance against their high-riding opponents.

Conversely, Kaizer Chiefs enter this match buoyed by a 1-0 victory over ZESCO United at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Chiefs will likely look to capitalise on this momentum and eliminate Stellenbosch, leveraging their strong historical pedigree in this knockout format.

Chiefs enter the match as the reigning champions; however, head coach Cedric Kaze has emphasised that prior achievements hold no significance once the whistle blows.

"There is always an inherent pressure associated with being Kaizer Chiefs. Every opponent aims to defeat us, especially when we are the defending champions. This pressure is a standard expectation for our club, and we are committed to striving for a positive outcome," said Kaze.

Meanwhile, in another encounter on Wednesday, Mamelodi Sundowns will kick off their Nedbank Cup campaign against the struggling Gomora United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium (kick-off also 7pm).

Following Friday's 2-1 setback against Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, Sundowns will be eager to return to winning ways and secure their first domestic cup since 2022. Despite that recent loss ending a 10-match unbeaten streak, Sundowns are expected to dominate a Gomora side that has struggled throughout the season.