Intriguing 2025 Nedbank Cup Golden Boot race

Mamelodi Sundowns will host Sekhukhune United in their Nedbank Cup quarterfinals clash at the Lucas Moripe stadium on Friday, with Kaizer Chiefs eagerly awaiting the victor in the next round.

It has been a tournament for goals so far this year but topping the scorers’ charts are some less familiar names when it comes to a Golden Boot race.

Here is a look at the top four players topping scoring charts who remain in the competition and with a chance of adding to their tallies.

INACIO MIGUEL (KAIZER CHIEFS)

Nedbank Cup Starts (subs)/goals: 3(0)/3

The Kaizer Chiefs centre-back may seem like an unlikely contender, but with three goals in three games, and seemingly the club’s designated penalty-taker, he cannot be ruled out.

He netted in the 4-0 Last 32 win over Free Agents, and then from the spot against Chippa United in a 3-0 success in the Last 16. He was at it again with another penalty in the 3-1 win at Stellenbosch FC in the quarterfinals. He has four goals in 24 starts for Chiefs in all competitions this season.

TASHREEQ MATTHEWS (MAMELODI SUNDOWNS)

Nedbank Cup Starts (subs)/goals: 2(0)/3

Winger Matthews has played twice for Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup so far this campaign and netted three goals. He Managed a brace in the 5-2 Last 32 win over Sibanye Golden Stars and added to that with a further strike against another third-tier side, Mpheni Home Defenders as Sundowns won 2-0.

He also received a red card against the latter. In all he has seven goals in 11 starts (and 11 sub appearances) in all competitions for Sundowns this season.

TSHEGOFATSO MABASA (ORLANDO PIRATES)

Nedbank Cup Starts (subs)/goals: 2(0)/4

Mabasa has four goals in two starts this campaign following his hattrick against Baroka FC in the Last 16 and strike against Richards Bay in the Last 32.

 It keeps up his excellent recent record in the Nedbank Cup that has seen him score seven goals in his last seven appearances (five starts) and move to the top of Pirates’ all-time scorers list in the competition with eight, taking over from Patrick Maswanganyi (6). He has 13 goals in 34 appearances (23 starts) for Pirates in all competitions this season.

PULE MMODI (KAIZER CHIEFS)

Nedbank Cup Starts (subs)/goals: 3(0)/4

Mmodi has scored four goals in 18 appearances (13 starts) in all competitions for Kaizer Chiefs this season … and all have come in the Nedbank Cup!

He netted a brace in the 4-0 win over Free Agents and got one each in the victories over Chippa United and Stellenbosch FC. The 32-year-old Mmodi has only ever scored six goals in knockout competitions in his career, and all have been in the Nedbank Cup. He also netted for Uthongathi in 2020 and Lamontville Golden Arrows in 2023.