Carling Knockout: Kaizer Chiefs land nightmare Round of 16 draw

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Carling Knockout: Kaizer Chiefs land nightmare Round of 16 draw
Carling KO trophy - Photo by Carling Black Label

Kaizer Chiefs have landed a tricky draw in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 following the matchups revealed on Monday.

Chiefs tasted cup glory for the first time in 10 years last season when they won the Nedbank Cup and will want that feeling again as they challenge on multiple fronts this term.

Among the trophies they will be contesting is the Carling Knockout, which will begin at the Round of 16 involving all the PSL teams.

The Glamour Boys have been paired with Stellenbosch FC, a club who they have had a good recent record against, but one that presents a challenge as Steve Barker’s men have been tough in cup competitions in recent years.

Chiefs will count on good record past Stellies

Stellies just lost the MTN8 final to Orlando Pirates this month after falling to the Buccaneers again last season while they reached the semi-final of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2024-25 which makes them a tricky opponent.

However, Chiefs have been recording wins over the 2023-24 Carling Knockout winners as they beat them in the PSL last season as well as in the Nedbank Cup on their way to winning the trophy and started the 2025-25 campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Cape Winelands side that should give them belief.

Wandile Duba and Sage Stephens Kaizer Chiefs vs Stellenbosch
Image – Kaizer Chiefs

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates, who were eliminated at the Round of 16 by surprise winner Magesi FC last season, will begin their campaign with a home match against Siwelele FC while Mamelodi Sundowns, beaten finalists last season, welcome Marumo Gallants.

Which are the other Carling Knockout fixtures?  

On paper, they appear to be winnable fixtures for Pirates and Sundowns, but Gallants have already beaten Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side this season and forced a 1-1 draw against the Brazilians in the PSL last week, which presents a tricky situation for Miguel Cardoso’s men.  

Magesi FC
Image – PSL

Magesi FC will begin their title defence against AmaZulu while Orbit College host TS Galaxy, Durban City take on Polokwane City, Richards Bay welcome Chippa United while Golden Arrows have a tough task at home to high-flying Sekhukhune United.

The Round of 16 matches will take place on October 5, quarter-finals on October 25, while the semis and finals are scheduled for November 8 and December 6 respectively.  

Winners of the Carling Knockout will face off with a team of PSL and Diski Challenge, players voted by fans, in the Carling Black Label Cup on December 13.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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