South African football fans are in for a thrilling weekend as the Carling Knockout Cup makes its highly anticipated return. All 16 Betway Premiership sides will battle in a single-elimination format that has already proven to deliver shocks, underdog stories, and unforgettable moments.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The competition, which was last known as the Telkom Knockout before being rebranded in 2023, has a reputation for giving smaller clubs their first taste of silverware. Stellenbosch won the inaugural Carling edition in 2023, while Magesi stunned Sundowns last year to lift the trophy. This season, the so-called “big three” — Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Sundowns — will be eager to reclaim dominance.
Stellenbosch vs Kaizer Chiefs: Cape Town clash on Sunday
- Fixture: Sunday, 5 October, 15:00 CAT
- Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch side face the difficult task of overcoming Kaizer Chiefs, who have dominated this fixture recently. Amakhosi have beaten Stellies in four straight matches, including a 2-0 league win in August.
Barker admitted that ill-discipline and poor decision-making have hurt his team. “It always feels like a double blow when you get a red card and a goal against you at the same time,” he said after their last meeting. Chiefs, meanwhile, will be under pressure to prove their Nedbank Cup triumph was no fluke after years without trophies.
Pirates vs Siwelele: Off-field chaos meets on-field fight
- Fixture: Saturday, 4 October, 15:00 CAT
- Venue: Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg
Orlando Pirates will look to continue their momentum after a league win over Siwelele two weeks ago. That clash was decided by an Oswin Appollis strike in the 80th minute.
However, Siwelele have been battling chaos behind the scenes. Player unrest, staff departures, and controversy over cost-cutting travel arrangements have raised alarm bells. Even so, the squad has been bolstered by the arrivals of Zakhele Lepasa and the influential Vincent Pule, who could prove decisive under coach Lehlohonolo Seema.
Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants: Cardoso under the spotlight
- Fixture: Saturday, 4 October, 20:00 CAT
- Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria
New head coach Miguel Cardoso faces his first major Cup test with Sundowns. Despite their league dominance, the Brazilians have endured off-field turbulence and an unconvincing start to the campaign.
Recent signings Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho are expected to strengthen the squad, while stars Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile remain crucial. Gallants held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw last month, but at Chloorkop the expectation is clear — nothing less than victory will be accepted.
Other Round of 16 Fixtures
- Durban City vs Polokwane City – Friday, 3 October, 19:00, Chatsworth Stadium
- Orbit College vs TS Galaxy – Saturday, 4 October, 15:00, Olympia Park
- Golden Arrows vs Sekhukhune United – Saturday, 4 October, 18:00, King Zwelithini Stadium
- Richards Bay vs Chippa United – Sunday, 5 October, 15:00, Richards Bay Stadium
- AmaZulu vs Magesi FC – Sunday, 5 October, 18:00, Moses Mabhida Stadium
Related: Carling Knockout Round of 16 Tickets Now On Sale
Unlike other competitions, the Carling Knockout is known for surprises. Smaller clubs often rise to the occasion, while giants risk early exits. For Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns, it’s about restoring authority. For others, it’s a chance to write history.
One thing is certain: drama, penalties, and late winners are all on the cards this weekend.
