Upington City upset Magesi; Pirates cruise in Nedbank Cup action

A DRAMATIC weekend in the 2026 Nedbank Cup Round of 32 saw one of the competition’s standout upsets unfold in the Northern Cape, as Upington City knocked out Betway Premiership side Magesi FC on penalties.

In the sun‑baked heat of Upington on Saturday, the underdogs from the lower tiers matched their top‑flight opponents for 120 minutes before ultimately prevailing in a penalty shoot‑out to book their place in the Last 16. The result added a timely reminder that the Nedbank Cup remains fertile ground for surprises, with smaller clubs capable of rising to the occasion when given the platform.

Upington’s victory came after a tense and tightly contested match at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium. Magesi (Dikwena Tsa Meetse) made changes in goal and on the field with Oratile Taola between the sticks and the debut of Tshegofatso Nyama, while Upington brought experience into their starting XI with players such as Bongani Mpandle, Givemore Khupe, Katlego Maphathe and Ryan Visagie.

Magesi looked lively early on, with Vincent Mashego agonisingly close with a snap shot that sailed just wide in the opening minutes. Upington responded at the other end, with Willie Nel heading over from a corner. The first half ended scoreless as both teams battled for control in a tight midfield contest.

After the break, Magesi threatened again when Sifiso Luthuli’s effort drifted just off target. Upington enjoyed plenty of possession, with substitutions such as Augustine Mahlonoko and Karabo Theletsane injecting fresh impetus. In the final minute of normal time, Ethan Visagie broke free but was denied by a fine save from Taola. A last‑gasp chance from Visagie in stoppage time was fired wide, and a final Magesi header from close range rattled the upright.

The deadlock held through extra time, forcing the tie to penalties. Upington City excelled from the spot and, with a key save from Mpandle, sealed a 5‑4 shootout win and a memorable advance in the competition.

Saturday’s other cup action

While Upington’s upset grabbed attention, Orlando Pirates did what was expected of them in Durban. The Soweto giants continued their bid for domestic cup dominance with a commanding 4‑1 win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Against the ABC Motsepe League side, Pirates took an early lead through Andre de Jong’s penalty before Thalente Mbatha added a second from distance. The visitors pulled one back just before halftime through Sithembiso Ngobe, but Pirates regained control after the break with a Patrick Maswanganyi finish and capped the rout with a long‑range strike from Sipho Mbule.

Their progression to the Last 16 marks a continuation of strong cup form.

Other Betway Premiership clubs and lower‑tier sides also booked places in the next round. Casric Stars claimed a 3‑0 win away at Army Rocket, while Sekhukhune United edged Highbury FC 2‑1.

Jacksa Spears produced a thrilling comeback to beat Cardinals FC 4‑2 after extra time, with Moeti Mofokeng scoring twice in the added period. Meanwhile, the matchup between Golden Arrows and Orbit College was abandoned partway through due to lightning and will be replayed at a later date.

Looking ahead

Sunday’s Nedbank Cup schedule features an intriguing mix of fixtures, including top‑flight clashes and opportunities for lower‑league sides to make statements. TS Galaxy will host Marumo Gallants in a marquee tie that promises tactical intrigue, while Hungry Lions take on the University of Pretoria and Siwelele face Richards Bay, with plenty at stake for all involved.

With the Last 16 draw imminent, the competition’s narrative — from giant‑killings to clinical performances by cup favourites — continues to shape a compelling South African knockout story.

Score summary

Army Rocket 0‑3 Casric Stars

Cardinals FC 2‑4 Jacksa Spears (after extra time)

Highbury FC 1‑2 Sekhukhune United

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 1‑4 Orlando Pirates

Upington City 0‑0 Magesi FC (after extra time; Upington won 5‑4 on penalties)

Golden Arrows vs Orbit College – Abandoned due to lightning