South Africa’s Carling Knockout Cup is back, promising another round of surprises, drama, and high-stakes football. The tournament kicks off this weekend with 16 Betway Premiership clubs going head-to-head in a single-legged format that has already produced underdog champions in its short history.
The competition, once known as the Telkom Knockout, was revived in 2023 with Carling Black Label as sponsor. Stellenbosch FC lifted the inaugural edition, while Magesi stunned Mamelodi Sundowns last season to clinch their first-ever major trophy. For giants like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Sundowns, the message is clear: restore order. For the rest, it’s another chance at history.
Stellenbosch vs Kaizer Chiefs – A Test of Nerves
- Fixture: Sunday, 5 October, 15:00 CAT
- Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch side will be desperate to end a poor run against Kaizer Chiefs. Amakhosi have beaten Stellies in their last four meetings, including a 2-0 win in August’s Premiership opener. Barker admitted that red cards and costly errors have hurt his team in these clashes.
“It always feels like a double blow when you get a red card and a goal against you at the same time,” Barker said after that loss. “But we need to be better in certain situations.”
Chiefs, meanwhile, have their own questions. Despite winning the Nedbank Cup last season under Nasreddine Nabi, uncertainty around the coaching role lingers. A win here would reinforce their revival and underline their Cup credentials.
Pirates and Siwelele: Off-Field Drama Meets On-Field Rivalry
- Fixture: Saturday, 4 October, 15:00 CAT
- Venue: Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg
Orlando Pirates, fresh from a league win over TS Galaxy thanks to Mabasa’s late header, will look to assert their dominance again. Siwelele arrive under a storm of off-field controversies – player unrest, staff exits, and ownership disputes over travel costs.
Yet they’ve also added firepower, signing former Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa. With Vincent Pule shining under coach Lehlohonolo Seema, Siwelele still have the tools to cause problems for the Buccaneers.
Sundowns vs Gallants – Cardoso’s First Cup Test
- Fixture: Saturday, 4 October, 20:00 CAT
- Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria
Miguel Cardoso knows success is demanded at Mamelodi Sundowns. The Portuguese coach inherited a side that has won eight consecutive Premiership titles but stumbled in recent months. The Carling Knockout is his first chance to claim silverware.
Sundowns enter the clash with new signings Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho, plus the return of stars like Khuliso Mudau. Gallants, however, held them to a 1-1 draw just weeks ago and won’t roll over easily.
Other Key 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
All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The Carling Knockout has a reputation for surprises. In both editions under the Carling banner, underdogs have lifted the trophy. Fans can expect more of the same: drama, penalties, and perhaps another fairytale run.
For Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns, the pressure is immense. Each is desperate to avoid another season defined by slip-ups. For teams like Magesi, Stellenbosch, and Siwelele, it’s about seizing the spotlight.
Check also: 2025 Carling Knockout Cup: Why Smaller Teams Have a Golden Chance
