It’s tough holding onto the Nedbank Cup

Only one club has previously proven able to retain the Nedbank Cup – and six of the previous 10 winners of the knockout trophy have not made it past the second round of the competition in the defence of their title.

SuperSport United, who have lifted the trophy three times, became the only team to retain the title in 2017, though they then went out in the first round the following year when they lost on penalties to Bloemfontein Celtic.

SuperSport also reached the final in 2013 having won the Nedbank Cup the previous year, but lost to Kaizer Chiefs in their attempt to retain the trophy.

Mamelodi Sundowns (2009), Moroka Swallows (2010), Bidvest Wits (2011), Orlando Pirates (2012 and 2015) all exited the competition in the second round the year after winning the competition.

Chiefs (2014) and Sundowns (2016) both made the semifinals as champions but could not get into the final to try and defend their title

This year’s holders Free State Stars begin their campaign at home to Richards Bay.

Stars have a rich history in the competition with five semifinal appearances since 2008, more than Soweto giants Chiefs (three) and Pirates (four).