Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns escape early collision in Carling KO
Premier Soccer League
Orlando Pirates midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja is determined to help the Buccaneers avoid another early Carling Knockout exit. Phot: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
The Carling Knockout competition returns to the spotlight, with defending champions Magesi FC looking to embark on another magical run in defence of their crown.
Dikwena tsa Meetse will kick off their title defence against AmaZulu away from home after winning their crown last season with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sundowns, alongside Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, have all managed to avoid each other in the first round, with last season's losing finalist set to begin their title-hunting journey first up against Marumo Gallants.
The 2025 MTN8 winners Pirates have proven themselves as cup specialists, but the Carling Knockout remains a trophy they will be eager to claim, having last lifted it during their treble-winning 2011/12 season.
The Buccaneers will take on struggling Siwelele FC, whom they will also face in the league on Tuesday. After their shock 3-2 defeat to Magesi FC in the first round last season, Pirates cannot afford to underestimate any opponent and midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja is hopeful his side can produce a better showing this time.
“It’s going to be an interesting fixture against Siwelele, considering the fact that we are also playing them in a couple of days,” he said during the launch at the FNB Stadium.
“Whatever outcome comes from that league match will be a good lesson going into the Carling Cup fixture. We hope to do much better than we did last season in the competition, and hopefully we can go all the way.”
Meanwhile, Soweto neighbours Chiefs have arguably the toughest opening fixture of the three giants, as they renew their rivalry against Stellenbosch FC.
The Glamour Boys have already beaten Stellies 2-0 in league action this season, but with the Cape Winelands side having won the competition in its inaugural year under the current sponsor and reaching a couple of consecutive MTN8 finals, they will be tough to overcome despite their recent challenges.
Carling KO fixtures
Dates to be confirmed: AmaZulu v Magesi FC, Mamelodi Sundowns v Marumo Gallants, Stellenbosch FC v Kaizer Chiefs, Orbit College v TS Galaxy, Durban City v Polokwane City, Richards Bay v Chippa United, Orlando Pirates v Siwelele FC, Golden Arrows v Sekhukhune United