Nedbank Cup Preliminary Rounds — Group C / Match Report | 10 October 2026
FC Buffalo City Relatives produced the complete day at UFH Stadium, Alice Campus, winning Group C of the Eastern Cape Nedbank Cup preliminary rounds to book their place in the next stage. Relatives FC opened with a 2-0 win over hosts University of Fort Hare in the semi-final, then went one better in the decider, sweeping aside MARU FC 4-1 to be crowned group winners on Saturday 10 October. Two matches, two commanding performances, and a ticket to the next round — a near-perfect day for the East London side.
Business-Like In The Semi-Final
Relatives FC set the tone early, seeing off University of Fort Hare 2-0 on the hosts’ own campus. Winning on the road against a side with home advantage is never straightforward, but the result rarely looked in doubt once Relatives had settled. The clean sheet underlined a defensive discipline that would prove just as important as the goals, and it sent the side into the final with momentum and confidence.
A Final To Remember
If the semi-final was controlled, the final was emphatic. Relatives FC overwhelmed MARU FC — who had beaten Pride FC 4-2 to reach the decider — running out 4-1 winners to claim top spot in Group C. Four goals in a winner-takes-all final is a statement of intent, and it carried Relatives through as one of the five Eastern Cape group winners to advance. For a club that has quietly gone about its business, this was a day to shout about.
Final word
Winning a Nedbank Cup qualifying group outright, with a 2-0 semi-final and a 4-1 final, is as good a day’s work as any club in the region managed. FC Buffalo City Relatives have earned their place in the next round the hard way — on the pitch, against good opposition, and in style. The dream of reaching the famed knockout stages is alive, and on this evidence, Relatives will not fear whoever comes next.
