KZN clubs chasing long-overdue silverware as Carling Knockout kicks off

KwaZulu-Natal clubs will once again carry the burden of a 14-year trophy drought as the Carling Knockout Cup gets underway this weekend, with all four representatives from the province involved.

Not since Golden Arrows’ stunning MTN8 triumph in 2009, has a KZN side lifted major silverware, and the weight of that barren run continues to hover over the province’s football landscape. This year’s revamped Carling Knockout Cup presents another opportunity to end the cycle of near-misses and heartbreaks, but history suggests it will be anything but straightforward.

AmaZulu, who last reached a cup final in 2022 under Romain Folz before falling short against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8, begin their campaign at home to Magesi. 

Arthur Zwane’s side have enjoyed a solid start to the season, particularly on their own turf, and will view this tie as a chance to set the tone. Yet, Magesi, despite being new to the top flight, have shown resilience and will arrive in Durban with nothing to lose — a dangerous recipe in knockout football.

Newly promoted Durban City enter the competition under Gavin Hunt with plenty of ambition. 

The veteran coach has spoken often of building a winning culture in Chatsworth, and a deep cup run would accelerate that process. 

Their first hurdle is Polokwane City, a team equally unpredictable but capable of making life difficult for anyone on their day. For Hunt, the Cup provides the perfect stage to test his squad’s character against seasoned opponents.

Richards Bay, co-coached by Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, are another side desperate for a change in fortunes. 

Their league form has been patchy, and hosting Chippa United offers both an opportunity and a threat. The Natal Rich Boyz have flirted with relegation battles in recent seasons, but cup football is often the arena where momentum can be rebuilt. 

Against Chippa, the challenge will be to balance their defensive organisation with the need for goals — something that has often deserted them at critical moments.

Golden Arrows, the last KZN team to parade a trophy, complete the weekend line-up with a clash against high-flying Sekhukhune United. 

Manqoba Mngqithi’s men have enjoyed pockets of good form this season, highlighted by recent wins that pushed them into the top half of the table, but Babina Noko represent one of the sternest challenges in the draw. 

Tinkler’s side have been in irresistible form, sitting top of the Betway Premiership, and will arrive in Durban brimming with confidence. 

For Arrows, however, the derby-like atmosphere in front of their home fans may just be the leveller they need.

With four teams in the mix, KwaZulu-Natal has numbers on its side, but each fixture brings its own complexities. 

The Carling Knockout has been designed to deliver surprises and, for KZN football, the hope is that one of their own can finally go the distance. Fourteen years is a long wait — and the province knows it cannot afford many more.