Nedbank Cup Quarterfinal Drama: Durban City and Marumo Gallants Head to Penalties; Semi-Final Draw Looms
Durban City and Marumo Gallants are locked in a nerve-wracking battle for a place in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, with their quarterfinal clash at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon heading to a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of football failed to separate the two sides.
The match, which kicked off at 3pm, ended goalless in regulation and extra time, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion as both teams vie to join Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Stellenbosch FC in the final four.
Semi-final draw imminent
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed that the Nedbank Cup semi-final draw will take place immediately after the conclusion of this match. Fans can watch the draw live on SuperSport PSL (channel 202) and SABC 1. The winner of this tie will complete the semi-final lineup, with defending champions Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Stellenbosch FC already securing their spots earlier this weekend.
Quarterfinal recap: Giants advance amid ppsets
Orlando Pirates kept their quest for a third consecutive Nedbank Cup title alive with a commanding 3-1 victory over Baroka FC. Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, delivered a statement performance by thrashing Chippa United 3-0, reigniting hopes of ending their trophy drought. Stellenbosch FC joined them after a clinical 2-0 win against Polokwane City.
Durban City, the lone non-top-flight team remaining in the competition, had already stunned TS Galaxy 2-1 in the Round of 16. Their resilience under coach Simo Dladla has been a hallmark of their campaign, as they sit atop the Motsepe Foundation Championship table and push for promotion. Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, edged AmaZulu 1-0 in February to reach the quarterfinals but have struggled in the Premiership, sitting 14th and battling relegation.
Pre-match context: contrasting fortunes
Durban City, rebranded from Maritzburg United, have thrived in the second tier. Their upset over TS Galaxy showcased their grit, with on-loan AmaZulu forward Senzo “Mbhobho” Ndlovu emerging as a key threat. Coach Dladla’s side entered this match unbeaten in six games, including a 2-1 win over Hungry Lions last weekend.
Gallants, runners-up in the 2022 Nedbank Cup, arrived in Durban under pressure. Midfielder Siyabonga Nhlapo emphasized the need to shift focus from their league woes, stating verbatim:
“We can’t dwell on the Stellenbosch defeat. We need to focus on the cup. We’ve earned our place among the final eight teams and want to push on.”
Striker Gabadinho Mhango, who scored in Gallants’ shock 2-0 win over Orlando Pirates in March, remained a danger man. However, the Free State side’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of competitive history against Durban City added intrigue to this first-ever meeting.
What’s next?
As penalties loom, both teams face a test of nerve. For Durban City, a win would cement their fairytale run and mark another giant-killing feat. For Gallants, progression could provide a lifeline in an otherwise turbulent season.
The semi-final draw will set the stage for the final stretch of South Africa’s premier cup competition, with the remaining teams now just two wins away from glory. Stay tuned for updates on the shootout result and the ensuing semi-final fixtures.
Stay updated eith the live match coverage by following the PSL’s official X (formerly Twitter) platform. For detailed results and updates from the Nedbank Cup 2025, visit psl.co.za.
*Note: This article was written as the Durban City vs Marumo Gallants penalty shootout commenced. For the latest Nedbank Cup semi-final draw results, click here.
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