Carling Knockout: Round of 16 dates for Chiefs, Pirates & Sundowns

The South African top-tier teams are set for Carling Knockout action for the 2025/26 season.

It will be interesting to see what the defending champions and last edition's surprise package Magesi FC have in store for us. Dikwena Tsa Meets defied the odds to eliminate the likes of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns to be crowned.

They are the first ever team to win a major title in their debut in South African top-tier.

When is the competition starting?

“Following the successful launch of the 2025/26 Carling Knockout and the official round of 16 draw held earlier this week, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed the full schedule of fixtures for the opening round of the competition,” PSL said in a statement.

“The Round of 16 will take place over the weekend of 3 to 5 October 2025, with eight exciting matches scheduled across the country as teams compete for a place in the quarterfinals.

“Carling Knockout debutants Durban City FC will get proceedings underway on Friday, 3 October, when they host Polokwane City at Chatsworth Stadium. Kick-off is set for 19h00,” they continued.

When will Pirates, Chiefs & Sundowns play?

Gaston Sirino Inacio Miguek and Thabiso Monyane Kaizer Chiefs — Image – Chiefs

“The action continues on Saturday, 4 October, with a full day of fixtures. The schedule kicks off at 15h00 with two simultaneous clashes: Orlando Pirates will welcome Siwelele FC to Orlando Stadium, while Orbit College FC take on TS Galaxy FC at Olympia Park Stadium,” they added.

“In the evening, Lamontville Golden Arrows will face Sekhukhune United at King Zwelithini Stadium at 18h00, followed by a highly anticipated showdown between Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 20h00.

“The weekend’s action concludes on Sunday, 5 October, with three more thrilling encounters. At 15h00, Richards Bay FC go up against Chippa United at Umhlathuze Sports Stadium, while Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs renew their rivalry at DHL Stadium.

“The round of 16 will conclude with AmaZulu FC taking on defending champions Magesi FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick-off is set for 17h30,” PSL concluded.