Durban City to face TS Galaxy in 2025-26 Nedbank Cup final

by Devesh Jaganath

image Durban City to face TS Galaxy in 2025-26 Nedbank Cup final
After a thrilling semi-final round, the 2025-26 Nedbank Cup finalists have now been confirmed, with Durban City set to take on TS Galaxy for the title early next month. The Citizens are aiming for their first-ever piece of major silverware, while the Rockets won this competition back in 2019.

City, Galaxy survive stern tests to reach Nedbank Cup final 

Durban City confirmed our football predictions by becoming the first team to book their place in this season’s Nedbank Cup final after edging second-tier Casric Stars to a 1-0 victory at the Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday evening. 

Stars enjoyed a magnificent cup campaign, defeating two PSL outfits, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu, en route to the semi-final, but their run was unfortunately brought to an end this past weekend by an early own goal from defender Sphamandla Mlilo.

Despite the setback, Stars never gave in and recorded a staggering 17 attempts on goal. They also carved out a handful of decent opportunities to level proceedings, but Darren Keet in City’s goal was in great form and pulled off a stunning save to deny Siphosethu Meveni from close range. 

The Citizens have never won a major trophy under their current banner or as Maritzburg United!

They were beaten finalists in this competition back in 2018 and the Telkom Knockout a year later. This final will also present an opportunity for Pitso Dladla to win his first trophy as a manager, though it will certainly not be an easy feat against Adnan Beganovic’s charges. 

Twenty-four hours after City secured their Nedbank Cup final berth, TS Galaxy took on the other second-tier team to reach the final four, Milford FC, in sweltering conditions at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, a match that proved much tougher than most expected for the PSL side. 

The Rockets found themselves trailing after just 11 minutes when Siphosethu Ndlabi slotted away a cheeky backheel finish off a Bulelani Sigomoshe cross. That was the first goal that Galaxy had conceded in the competition following three consecutive clean sheets. 

However, Beganovic’s side restored parity just before the hour mark through veteran forward Victor Letsoalo, who also netted in the victory over Marumo Gallants earlier this season. Galaxy then held their nerve to win the match 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout. 

 

Nedbank Cup: Final details and Tournament stats

Semi-final 1: Durban City 1-0 Casric Stars

Semi-final 2: TS Galaxy 1-1 Milfird FC 1 (TS Galaxy won 4-3 on penalties)

Final: Durban City vs TS Galaxy

Final Date: Saturday, 2 May 2026

Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium (expected) 

Nedbank Cup: Tournament stats

Matches played: 30

Goals scored: 69

Goals per game: 2.30

Most goals in a game: 6

Top scorers: TJ Diedericks, Pule Ekstein, Victor Letsoalo, Lundi Mahala, Moeti Mofokeng, Thuso Mogale, Bradley Mojela, Siphosethu Ndlabi (all 2 goals each)