The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has officially confirmed the fixtures for the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup last 32, with the first round of matches scheduled for the weekend of 12-14 January 2025. The Nedbank Cup, one of South Africa’s most prestigious cup competitions, is always a thrilling spectacle, and this year’s edition promises to be no different.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates will kick off their title defence in KwaZulu-Natal, where they will face a challenging tie against local side Richards Bay FC. The Buccaneers, who clinched the trophy in 2024 after an impressive run, will be looking to build on their success and advance further into the tournament. As the reigning champions, Pirates will be under pressure to perform and defend their crown, but they will also be fully aware of the risks of facing teams eager to cause an upset.
The match will be played at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, a venue known for its passionate crowd and vibrant atmosphere, which could make for an exciting clash between the two sides. Orlando Pirates head coach, José Riveiro, will be hoping that his team can start the tournament strong and set the tone for the rest of their campaign. The Buccaneers have enjoyed a solid start to the 2024/2025 PSL season and will want to carry that momentum into the Nedbank Cup, but with knockout football being unpredictable, Riveiro knows that no match is guaranteed.

Other exciting fixtures in the last 32 include some mouth-watering matchups between top PSL teams and lower division sides, as the competition often sees underdogs rise to the occasion and cause upsets. The Nedbank Cup is notorious for its unpredictability, with smaller clubs often proving that they are capable of taking on the big guns in a knockout format. This year, fans are sure to expect plenty of drama, surprises, and memorable moments as clubs from across the country battle it out for the coveted trophy.
In addition to Pirates’ match in KwaZulu-Natal, several other top-flight clubs are also gearing up for their opening fixtures in the competition. Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and other PSL heavyweights are all set to face off against lower-tier opposition, but as is the case in cup football, these games are always filled with potential for surprise results.
The Nedbank Cup is not only a chance for teams to win silverware but also an opportunity for players to make a name for themselves and for clubs to secure much-needed prize money, which can be crucial for their financial health. For smaller teams, it represents a golden opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage, while for the PSL giants, it’s about adding another prestigious trophy to their collection and continuing their dominance in South African football.
With the fixtures now confirmed, football fans across South Africa will be eagerly awaiting the first round of the 2025 Nedbank Cup. The competition is sure to deliver its usual excitement, with a blend of established stars and emerging talent all vying for a place in the next round.
For Orlando Pirates, the road to defending their title begins with their trip to KwaZulu-Natal, where they will face Richards Bay. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, and with both sides having plenty to prove, it’s bound to be a memorable start to what could be another unforgettable Nedbank Cup journey.