The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and proud sponsor, Nedbank, have officially launched the 2024 Nedbank Cup, marking its 17th year as South Africa's premier knockout tournament. This comes on the heels of Orlando Pirates clinching the 2023 title at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The round-of-32 draw unfolded at the Nedbank headquarters in Sandton, Johannesburg. The draw showcased a dynamic mix of 32 lower-tiered and professional teams poised to compete in the first round of the tournament.
Throughout its illustrious 17-year history, the Nedbank Cup continues to play a pivotal role in shaping football in South Africa, providing a unique platform for aspiring professional footballers to challenge their top-tier counterparts. Noteworthy moments include victories by former National First Division sides such as TS Galaxy FC and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), who secured the Nedbank Cup title and earned the chance to compete in the CAF Confederations Cup.
The 2024 Nedbank Cup launch went above and beyond, solidifying its dedication to the fans, stokvels and small businesses under the banner of Ke Yona, Ya Rona. As the 2024 Nedbank Cup prepares to unfold, Nedbank invites football stakeholders across the nation to join the journey, celebrate the spirit of Ke Yona, Ya Rona and embrace the magic that makes this tournament truly unique.
In a ground-breaking move, Nedbank introduced an unprecedented incentive for fans to be part of the glory. For the first time, supporters have the chance to win a cash prize of R5 million and other weekly prizes if their team clinches the Nedbank Cup title.
“The Nedbank Cup is more than just the on-the-field action; it's about the empowerment, emotions, and connections that football creates. In the spirit of Ke Yona, Ya Rona, we are set on raising our commitment to bringing fans, stokvels and small businesses closer to the heart of the tournament, celebrating the diverse and vibrant football culture in South Africa and ensuring that stakeholders are an integral part of something truly special. Small businesses will become the “Sponsored Sponsors” of the Nedbank Cup, through an initiative that offers small businesses invaluable brand exposure worth millions,” says Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank’s Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs.
'Ke Yona Ya Rona' goes beyond traditional soccer tournaments, emphasizing the impact of supporting both your team and financial goals. Fans, stokvels, and small businesses are urged to actively engage in the competition, making it an event owned by the people.
Nobanda also emphasized that in order for fans to stand a chance to win their share of R5 million, if your team emerges as the 2024 Nedbank Cup champions, it is essential to open or transact on your existing Nedbank MiGoals Plus Account as well as participate in weekly fan competitions.
With an active MiGoals Plus or Stokvel Account, fans have the opportunity to select their favourite team, engage in weekly competitions, and transact to enhance their chances of claiming a share of over R5 million in prizes. The 'Ke Yona Ya Rona' fan competition promotes a sense of belonging, collaboration, and active involvement among fans and stokvels.
The Nedbank Cup has become a hallmark event in South African football, and the 2024 edition promises to be more thrilling and engaging than ever before. The tournament's enduring spirit of David-versus-Goliath encounters, combined with innovative fan integration mechanics, sets the stage for an unforgettable journey for both players and supporters. For more information and updates, visit nedbankcup.co.za or @NedbankSport across social-media platforms.
Nedbank Cup round of 32 draw results:
NB La Masia v Mamelodi Sundowns
Lamontville Golden Arrows v TS Galaxy F.C
Platinum City Rovers v Moroka Swallows
SuperSport United v Cape Town City
AmaTuks v Cape Town Spurs
Highlands Park v Sekhukhune United
Maritzburg United v Paarl United
SAFA Mpumalanga* v Orlando Pirates
Stellenbosch FC v Pretoria Callies
AmaZulu v Royal AM
NC Professionals v Chippa United
Richards Bay v Polokwane City
FC Ravens v Spain FC
D’General F.C v Madridtas FC
Kaizer Chiefs v Milford FC
JDR Stars v Hungry Lions
*The SAFA Mpumalanga team is yet to be confirmed.