The South African·South Africa·Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 06:58 AM UTC

Carling Knockout Cup: Tricky draws for Pirates and Chiefs

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Bruce Douglas

The Carling Knockout Cup begins on 24 October, following the draw on Wednesday, 14 October.

The 8 top teams in the PSL were seeded and drawn against the teams in the bottom half of the table.

Here’s why Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are facing a slightly trickier path to the next round.

Carling Knockout Cup: Full draw

Fixture details are expected to be confirmed early next week.

The defending PSL champions will face a newcomer already making history in the Premiership.

Pirates defeated Milford 2-0 in the league opener in August, but the newly promoted side has still impressed.

According to Eyewitness News, they became the first side in almost 20 years to win 3 home games right after joining the first division.

They are currently 5^th on the PSL log, sitting 2 points behind Kaizer Chiefs in 4^th.

Milford also has a reputation as ‘giant killers’, including cup wins over Chiefs and Sekhukhune.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will probably not take the Stallions lightly.

It’s been 7 years since the Rockets upset the Amakhosi in the Nedbank Cup final.

A lot has changed since then – Kaizer Chiefs have fallen and risen again, and TS Galaxy have stuck around in the first division.

On paper, a team in 4^th on the PSL log should dominate a team down in 12^th.

However, Galaxy have been frustrating for bigger teams – something coach Fernando da Cruz will be wary of.

The Rockets took Sundowns to deep water during their five-goal thriller in August.

Masandawana needed a Sphelele Mkhulise brace to seal a late win against TS Galaxy.

Chiefs are already under pressure after losing ground to the top of the table, so the outcome is not set in stone.

Mamelodi Sundowns meet Marumo Gallants in their Carling Knockout Round of 16 tie.

The Brazilians should get the job done here, but it’s worth watching how they handle the minnows.

Sundowns have 2 trophies already this season, and a domestic clean sweep is certainly on the cards.

Sekhukhune United take on Richards Bay FC, and the focus will be on the coaches.

Bulgarian tactician Dimitar Pantev recently oversaw his first game with the Natal Rich Boys, replacing Ronnie Gabriel after his shock resignation.

Sekhukhune is also under fresh management, with Papi Zothwane replacing Cedric Kaze in September.

WHO WILL ADVANCE IN THE CARLING KNOCKOUT CUP?

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