Carling Knockout Cup 2025 Kicks Off: Big Guns Face Tricky Ties as Underdogs Eye Upsets
The 2025 Carling Knockout Cup bursts into action this weekend, with all 16 Betway Premiership teams battling it out in the round of 16 for a shot at early-season silverware. The single-elimination tournament, known for its drama and giant-killings, promises thrills as defending champions Magesi FC defend their crown against AmaZulu, while heavyweights like Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs look to avoid early exits. With matches spread across Friday to Sunday, fans can expect high-stakes football amid recent league form adding spice to the ties.
Launched in 2023 as a revamped League Cup, the competition has already seen underdogs shine – Stellenbosch FC lifted the inaugural trophy, and Magesi stunned everyone last year. This edition, running alongside the league season, offers R8 million to the winners and a chance for smaller sides to punch above their weight. As teams chase glory, coaches are wary of complacency, with recent league results offering little comfort in the unpredictable cup format.
Full Round of 16 Fixtures: A Weekend Packed with Action
The draw has thrown up some mouth-watering clashes, with games kicking off on Friday evening and wrapping up on Sunday. Here’s the complete lineup, with times in local South African time:
Friday, 3 October 2025:
• Durban City FC vs Polokwane City at Chatsworth Stadium, kick-off 19:00. Debutants Durban City, flying high in the league, host a gritty Polokwane side hungry for a scalp.
Saturday, 4 October 2025:
• Orlando Pirates vs Siwelele FC at Orlando Stadium, kick-off 15:00.
• Orbit College FC vs TS Galaxy FC at Olympia Park Stadium, kick-off 15:00.
• Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Sekhukhune United at King Zwelithini Stadium, kick-off 18:00.
• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants at Lucas Moripe Stadium, kick-off 20:00.
Sunday, 5 October 2025:
• Richards Bay FC vs Chippa United at Umhlathuze Sports Stadium, kick-off 15:00.
• Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs at DHL Stadium (Cape Town Stadium), kick-off 15:00.
• AmaZulu FC vs Magesi FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium, kick-off 17:30.
Winners advance to the quarterfinals, with the draw set for next week. The tournament’s format – no extra time in early rounds, straight to penalties if tied – often leads to nail-biting finishes, making it a fan favourite.
Stellenbosch vs Kaizer Chiefs: Amakhosi Seek Redemption in Cape Showdown
The standout fixture sees Stellenbosch FC welcome Kaizer Chiefs to the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday afternoon. Chiefs, stung by a 0-4 thrashing from Mamelodi Sundowns in last season’s quarterfinals, are out to prove a point. They edged Stellenbosch in a recent league clash, but interim co-coach Cedric Kaze is taking nothing for granted.
“Unfortunately, the history of the last fixtures that Chiefs won against Stellenbosch won’t help us in this game, which means we need to concentrate we need to go all out,” Kaze said.
Stellenbosch, inaugural winners in 2023, have started the season strongly and will fancy their chances at home. Chiefs, under new management after a shaky spell, boast stars like Yusuf Maart and Ashley du Preez, but face a resilient Winelands outfit known for their organised defence and quick counters. Pundits tip a close affair, with Chiefs slight favourites at 2.10 odds, but Stellenbosch’s home advantage could swing it.
Orlando Pirates vs Siwelele FC: Buccaneers Brace for Tough Test
MTN8 champions Orlando Pirates host Siwelele FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, aiming to banish memories of last season’s first-round exit to Magesi FC. The Sea Robbers thumped Siwelele in a recent league encounter, but coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is preparing for a backlash from the Bloemfontein-based side, who carry the legacy of the old Bloemfontein Celtic with their passionate “green bloodline” fanbase.
“I said just after we played against Siwelele that this team will definitely not stay in that position and they showed it the next week, so we are expecting a very strong opposition and we will put all our ambitions, all our motivation to try and go to the next stage,” Ouaddou noted.
Siwelele, a relatively new Premiership outfit formed after the purchase of SuperSport United’s status, have shown grit under coach Lehlohonolo Seema. Pirates, buoyed by their MTN8 triumph and stars like Relebohile Mofokeng, are favourites but know cup football can turn on a dime. Seema previewed the clash by stressing results over style: “No pretty football, we just need to get result.”
Magesi FC’s Title Defence: Underdogs Ready to Roar Again
Defending champions Magesi FC face AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday evening, looking to repeat their fairy-tale run from 2024 when they shocked Pirates and others en route to the trophy. The Limpopo minnows, promoted last season, have struggled in the league but thrive in cups. AmaZulu, with a solid defence, will test them, but Magesi’s underdog spirit could shine through.
Other Ties to Watch: Potential for Shocks
Sundowns, perennial favourites, host Marumo Gallants in a Tshwane derby on Saturday night, with the Brazilians aiming for their first Knockout win after last year’s semifinal exit. Gallants, known for upsets, could make it tricky. Elsewhere, debutants Durban City kick off against Polokwane on Friday, while Richards Bay vs Chippa promises a gritty battle on Sunday.
Golden Arrows vs Sekhukhune and Orbit College vs TS Galaxy round out Saturday’s action, with both matches ripe for surprises as lower-table teams eye progression.
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