Defending Champions Kaizer Chiefs Knocked Out of Nedbank Cup by Stellenbosch FC

• Kaizer Chiefs have missed out on the chance to retain the Nedbank Cup title after being knocked out of the competition in the Round of 32
• The Soweto giants suffered an unfortunate defeat against Premier Soccer League rivals Stellenbosch FC, who are coached by their former manager
• The Nedbank Cup would have another champion in the 2025-26 season, with the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates still in the competition

Stellenbosch FC delivered the first surprise of the Nedbank Cup by eliminating defending champions Kaizer Chiefs in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

The Glamour Boys headed into the match to win the competition back-to-back after beating Orlando Pirates in the final last season to lift the title.

The defeat against the Stellies marked the Soweto giants' second defeat against the same team in the domestic cup competition. Amakhosi were knocked out of the Carling Knockout Cup by the Maroons earlier this season under the management of Steve Barker.

Read also

Chiefs coach reveals why Lilepo was benched vs Stellenbosch in Nedbank Cup

Kaizer Chiefs knocked out of Nedbank Cup

Chiefs arrived in Cape Town aiming to retain their title, but kick-off at the sold-out DHL Stadium was pushed back by 30 minutes as supporters continued to make their way into the venue. Both teams were without important players, with Stellenbosch missing Tshegofatso Mabasa, while Chiefs were without Asanele Velebayi.

The hosts showed early intent when Chumani Butsaka glanced a header over the bar inside the opening five minutes. The Soweto giants responded shortly after through a Gaston Sirino corner that found Flavio Silva, whose header drifted wide.

Stellenbosch struck first in the seventh minute after Thabo Moloisane was brought down in the area by Da Silva. Ibraheem Jabaar made no mistake from the spot, sending Brandon Petersen the wrong way to give Stellies the lead.

Butsaka nearly doubled the advantage in the 13th minute but failed to hit the target. Moloisane was later forced off due to injury and replaced by Henri Stanic. Chiefs came close to equalising when Mduduzi Shabalala was put through by a brilliant Da Silva pass, only for Sage Stephens to produce a superb save.

Read also

Pirates leapfrog Sundowns to return to Betway Premiership summit

Stellenbosch capitalised moments later as Titus unleashed a powerful long-range strike in the 22nd minute that flew past Petersen to make it 2-0.

Chiefs continued to threaten, with Shabalala denied twice in quick succession—first by Stephens and then by a perfectly timed Stanic tackle—before the halftime whistle sounded with Stellies firmly in control.

After the restart, Chiefs intensified their attack and nearly pulled one back when substitute Glody Lilepo’s first-time effort crashed off the crossbar. Soon after, Amakhosi were awarded a controversial penalty for a handball by Mosa Lebusa, and Da Silva converted to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Stellenbosch almost restored their two-goal cushion when Langelihle Phili tested Petersen with a strong effort, but the goalkeeper stood firm.

Amakhosi pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, yet the Stellies' backline held their ground to secure a memorable victory and send the defending champions out of the competition.

What's left for Kaizer Chiefs this season?

Kaizer Chiefs are out of the domestic cups this season after losing to Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup. They are left with two competitions out of four this campaign.

Read also

Stellenbosch FC announce death of SA midfielder before Kaizer Chiefs encounter

The Soweto giants still have a chance to win the Betway Premiership this season, as they are one of the favourites and among the contenders, currently third on the log.

The PSL giants are also in contention to qualify from their group in the CAF Confederation Cup, with two games left in the group phase.

Chiefs battle Pirates, Sundowns for SA forward

Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are in a transfer battle as they are all interested in snapping up a South African forward.

The three PSL giants were said to be looking for the possibility of signing the winger before the winter transfer window closes.

Source: Briefly News