Carling Knockout Round of 16: Chiefs, Sundowns make major statements as Pirates stumble

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The Carling Knockout Round of 16 produced some thrilling results with TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United completing the quarter-final line-up on Sunday.

Galaxy beat Chippa United 1-0 while Sekhukhune edged out Richards Bay by the same margin with both matches played on Sunday.

The action was witnessed in plenty on Saturday when Orlando Pirates’ 3-2 loss to Magesi FC was the shocking result of the Round of 16 ties.

Kabelo Dlamini and Evidence Makgopa were on target for Pirates but Delano Abrahams, Thabiso Sesane's own goal and Edmore Chirambadare gave Magesi the victory, handing Pirates a first loss of the season in all competitions.

Delight for Chiefs, despair for Pirates

Orlando Pirates vs Magesi
Image – Orlando Pirates

That has knocked the Buccaneers out of the competition for a second straight time and they will now have to focus on the PSL, CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup after winning the MTN8 early in October.

While Pirates are licking their wounds, arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs are in dreamland after thrashing SuperSport United 4-0 on Saturday.

The Glamour Boys strolled into the quarter-final courtesy of goals from Gaston Sirino, Yusuf Maart, Ranga Chivavira and Ashley Du Preez, giving fans hopes that this could be the season they end their nine-year trophy drought.

Who were the other big winners?

Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate a goal. Photo Mamelodi Sundowns

Also making a major statement of intent were Mamelodi Sundowns, who thrashed Golden Arrows 5-0, after goals from Thapelo Morena, Iqraam Rayners, Mothobi Mvala, Peter Shalulile and Kutlwano Letlhaku.

The Brazilians have maintained their good run, making it six straight wins in all competitions, and it will take something special for their opponents to stop them.

Meanwhile, holders Stellenbosch FC started their title defence with a 2-1 victory over AmaZulu on Friday while Cape Town City also recorded a big win, beating Royal AM 3-0 on Saturday.

Dan Malesela’s Marumo Gallants also celebrated a victory, having edged out Polokwane City 3-2 on Saturday. 

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Joel Oliver

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.