The Top five Nedbank Cup upsets in South African soccer history

With the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals around the corner, it is worth remembering that even one of the greatest Pirates sides ever was humbled by a third-tier team.

Pirates' 4-1 Nedbank Cup defeat to Maluti FET College was arguably the greatest shock in the history of South African club soccer. The Buccaneers' biggest Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, also feature among the biggest South African knockout cup upsets.

As fans hedge their bets in this year's Nedbank Cup, it is worth remembering five past upsets that showed that in soccer, anything can happen.

1. Maluti FET College 4-1 Orlando Pirates (2013 Nedbank Cup round of 32)

Orlando Pirates had won back-to-back trebles in the two seasons before their famous Nedbank Cup shock at the hands of Maluti FET College. It was a shocking defeat for double defending Premiership champions to suffer against a team who played in the ABC Motsepe League – South Africa's third tier. Mashale Rantabale and Lucky Mokoena each scored twice for Maluti as they embarrassed a side coached by the highly-esteemed Roger de Sa and featuring legends such as Happy Jele, Collins Mbesuma, Oupa Manyisa and the late Senzo Meyiwa. 

Interestingly, Maluti FET College went on to produce one of the greatest modern Orlando Pirates players, winger Thembinkosi Lorch. Lorch now plays for Wydad Casablanca on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns under former Pirates coach Rhulani Mokwena.

2. Baroka 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs (2011 Nedbank Cup quarter-finals)

Baroka FC are now a recognisable name in South African soccer. They currently play in South Africa's second tier – the Championship (otherwise known as National First Division) – and have played in the Premiership before. However, when they beat South Africa's most widely-supported club, Kaizer Chiefs, it was a huge shock.

Knowledge Musona gave Kaizer Chiefs the lead, but Tom Ndlovu equalised before half-time. Then, Thobani Mncwango scored a stunning late winner.

3. Baroka 2-1 Moroka Swallows (2011 Nedbank Cup round of 16)

Moroka Swallows are no longer a dominant force in South African soccer. However, in 2011, the historic Soweto club was building one of their best teams of the modern era. 

Even under the tutelage of the legendary Gordon Igesund, Swallows were humbled by Baroka before Chiefs suffered the same fate. Katlego Mashego scored the opener and after Augustine Leonard equalised, the Dube Birds were grounded by a Mashilo Moremi winner.

4. TS Galaxy 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs (2019 Nedbank Cup final)

By the 2018-19 season, it was becoming evident that Kaizer Chiefs were far behind Mamelodi Sundowns in terms of soccer structures. However, they were at least showing subtle signs of improvement under German head coach Ernst Middendorp. 

Amakhosi made it to the Nedbank Cup final and were expected to make light work of TS Galaxy, who were then in the second tier. However, Zakhele Lepasa's stoppage time penalty dashed Chiefs' dream and even now, the Glamour Boys still have not won a trophy since 2015.

5. Dondol Stars 2-1 SuperSport United (2023 Nedbank Cup round of 32)

Supersport United are a team with a proud history in South African cup competitions. Matsatsantsa have used those to demonstrate that they are capable of matching better supported opponents such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. 

Coached by the legendary Gavin Hunt, who led SuperSport United to three league titles, nobody would have expected that they would lose in the round of 32 to an ABC Motsepe League side.

When Revaldo Fox's 18th minute own goal put SuperSport United ahead, everything appeared to be going according to plan. However, in the second half, the script was turned on its head as Relebogile Molefe equalised and Kholofelo Monama scored the winner. SuperSport United have arguably never recovered as a club, highlighting the power of a cup upset in terms of affecting team morale.

Conclusion

South Africa has cup competitions ranging from the Carling Knockout to the MTN8. However, it is in the Nedbank Cup that the upsets truly happen. The beauty of the tournament is that it pits South Africa's biggest sides against its minnows. Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates rarely if ever head into a match expecting to lose, but the history of South African cup soccer is littered with cautionary tales.