History beckons: Durban City face TS Galaxy for Nedbank Cup glory

Durban City will look to secure a historic win against former winners TS Galaxy when the two sides clash in the 2026 Nedbank Cup final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

City head into the final winless in their last four matches, but have shown real cup-fighting spirit, advancing with a hard-fought 1-0 semifinal victory over lower division side Casric Stars on 4 April.

The KwaZulu-Natal side determined to win their first Nedbank Cup title, having reached the final of the 2018 edition as Maritzburg United when they narrowly lost to Free State Stars.

Galaxy, on the other hand, come into the decider after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over lower division outfit Milford FC after a 1-1 draw in the semifinals on 5 April.

However, Rockets are winless in their last 11 Betway Premiership games, but they remain a dangerous opponent as they chase a second Nedbank Cup trophy, having been crowned champions in 2019.

TEAM NEWS

No major injury concerns have been reported for either side heading into the final so far and there are also no suspension issues for Durban City, and TS Galaxy.

Galaxy are under the guidance of Bernard Parker following the recent dismissal of coach Adnan Beganovic due to poor form in the Betway Premiership.

The winner of the 2026 Nedbank Cup will secure a spot in next season's CAF Confederation Cup, Africa's secondary club football competition, and also receive a mouthwatering R7 million cheque.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Durban City assistant coach Ashraf Hendricks:

"I think all the boys know what's on the line. It's been 17 years since a team from KZN won it and we want to make sure that ends on Saturday. The CAF thing was not something we prepared for as a club," Hendricks said.

"But now its one of the things that is on our objective list and its something we would like to have. To be part of Africa, like Sundowns and Stellenbosch, we also want to be a part of that. Not just be a part but also experience and learn from it. Odds and those things mean nothing when it comes to a cup final.

"Its all about who wants it more and I think that's the mentality we need to get into the team. We can't go in there thinking this is an easy game and we already won. We need to go in and be ready for 90 minutes or 120 minutes to win the game."

TS Galaxy coach Bernard Parker:

“I think the universe designed it. It’s by God’s grace. Nobody expected that I would be in this situation – it came as a shock. People expected things otherwise regarding who should be in charge of the Nedbank Cup final," Parker said.

"Other than that, I am a servant of the game, as a player previously, and now as a coach. A lot of work is done behind the scenes; the club is working together with the coaches and the players. The confidence and trust that the chairman has shown in me makes me proud and confident that I have what it takes [to do well].

"I also have the players’ response. So, it’s for all of us to go there and make sure that history repeats itself.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Saziso Magawana, Durban City: The hard-working winger has been in good form this season, registering nine assists and three goals. The 27-year-old player's creativity could prove decisive as City aim to upset TS Galaxy.

Seluleko Mahlambi, TS Galaxy: The 21-year-old winger has become Galaxy’s star attacker this season with five goals and four assists. The tricky and speedy player will carry the Rockets’ hopes of winning the Nedbank Cup.