Both semifinals of the Carling Knockout will be played in KwaZulu-Natal as Lamontville Golden Arrows were drawn at home to Marumo Gallants and Richards Bay will host Orlando Pirates.

The draw for the last four was conducted after Gallants’ emphatic 4-0 home win over Stellenbosch in Bloemfontein on Wednesday in the last of the quarterfinal ties.

The semifinals will be played on the weekend of 8-9 November but the exact date and venues will be announced in the next days by the Premier Soccer League.

The #CarlingKnockout semi-finals are confirmed ⚽🔒#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/cabm5u5KGV

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 29, 2025

Arrows and Gallants will be playing in the Betway Premiership in Umlazi on Saturday in what is now a dress rehearsal for the cup tie a week later.

Richards Bay compete in a third successive Carling Knockout semifinal and both two previous semis were played at home where they lost to Stellenbosch (0-3) in 2023 and Magesi (0-1) in 2004.

They were both played in Durban and it could be that they move the game against Pirates to a bigger stadium in Durban as well.

Pirates have won the competition previously but none of the other semifinalists have had previous success in the League Cup.

FULL DRAW:

Semifinal 1: Golden Arrows vs Marumo Gallants

Semifinal 2: Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates

Marumo Gallants secured their ticket to the semifinals of the Carling Knockout Cup after a dominant 4-0 win against Stellenbosch FC in the pouring rain at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday night.

Stellenbosch started the game on the front foot with Devin Titus creating the first attempt at goal for his side in the third minute.

With Titus’s effort going narrowly wide, Gallants hung on and preserved their clean sheet.

The Cape Winelands side once again came close to scoring in the seventh minute, this time through Langelihle Phili, who did well to win the ball in the area before letting off a shot that was deflected out for a corner.

Gallants grew into the match midway through the first half and opened the scoring via Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who capped off a swift move en route to Stellies' goal.

Phillip Ndlondlo 🤌

Marumo take an advantage into half-time 🔥

📺 Stream #CarlingKnockout on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/E82RkxjoFw

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 29, 2025

Stellenbosch saw most of the ball toward the halftime break; however, Gallants did enough to see out the first 45 with their lead intact.

Following a rapid start to the subsequent half, the hosts doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute, as Ndlondlo added his name to the scoresheet once more after a clinical solo effort on the left flank.

Stellenbosch pressed and probed in search of an equaliser but did little to trouble the opposition backline after 60 minutes on the clock.

With around 15 minutes left, the rain belted down at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung while Gallants remained in full control of the tie.

Gallants ended the game with a flurry of attacks as Mpambaniso Monde added Gallants’ third goal in the 79th minute before Edgar Manaka joined in on the fun with a glancing header from a corner in the 86th minute.

Manaka’s header proved to be the final bit of action from the encounter as Gallants qualified for the semifinals of the Carling Knockout Cup.

Marumo Gallants: (1) 4 (Ndlondlo 28’, 52’, Monde 79’, Manaka 86’)

Stellenbosch FC: 0

MARUMO GALLANTS: Arubi, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Nhlapo, Erone, Mabuza (Clifford 82’), Ndlondlo (Adetu 66’), Otladisa (Motloung 60’), Sithole (Monde 60’), Bance (Manaka 82’), Motloung

STELLENBOSCH FC: Masuluke, Enyinnaya (Cupido 76’), Mdaka, Stanic, Mcaba, Mthiyane, Jabaar (Khiba 60’), Butsaka (Mojela 46’), De Jong, Titus (Barns 20’), Phili (Nku 60’)

The semifinal draw for the 2025/26 Carling Knockout will be conducted tonight, immediately after the quarterfinal fixture between Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch FC at Dr Molemela Stadium in Mangaung.

The draw will be broadcast LIVE on the SuperSport PSL Channel and SABC Sport.

Draw Procedure:

- The semifinal draw is unseeded, in accordance with the Carling Knockout competition rules.

- All four club names will be placed in a single bowl for the draw.

- The first ball drawn will represent the home team for the first fixture, with the second ball representing the away team.

- This process will be repeated to confirm the second fixture.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou slammed his players for what he called “sterlile possession” and “small passes” in the last stages of their Carling Knockout quarterfinal, calling their showboating in the closing stages “a circus”.

Pirates advanced past holders Magesi 2-1 in Tuesday’s tie at the Orlando Pirates and join Lamontville Golden Arrows and Richards Bay in the semifinals.

But Ouaddou was angry with the way that Pirates finished the game, giving up a late goal to Magesi defender Johnny Mokone after Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa had Pirates 2-0 up with second half goals.

“My big disappointment was the last 15 minute, and it's the first time I will address that. If we want to be more ambitious, if we want to go forward, we have to stop this nonsense of playing a sterile position and to enjoy playing small passes,” he said.

“I think if we want to do this, we have to go to the circus. I'm not here to go to the circus or to play circus. I'm here to improve my players, to go forward, and we have to stop this nonsense, because at the end, we conceded a goal, and the target was not to concede but to finish with the clean sheet. So I think we have to improve on that if we want to be more ambitious.”

Ouaddou said goals were the most important thing in the game not entertaining, even if South African fans enjoyed showboating.

“I'm respecting a lot of culture, the traditions, I've come to a fantastic country. It's a land of football, South Africa,” he added.

“But we have to find the right balance. It's okay because it's a cup game. But in the league, every goal is very important, especially at the end (of the season).

“So, for me, as long you make passes, you can make 20,-30 passes to make the show. I'm happy for that. I was a football player as well. And I like the show. But you must go forward and to finish the action. But if you stay in the same position, in the same place, and to make 30 passes in five square metres … that’s not interesting.

The coach’s overall analysis of the game was positive, however.

“We started with the high intensity we wanted, to put pressure on the opponent to try to score early,” Ouaddou said.

“I think the boys did a fantastic game in terms of what we wanted to execute today. We managed to create a lot of chances. I think that by halftime, we could have lead with five goals. So it's a positive point. So I'd like to congratulate my boys for that. It was important to take this victory and to go through the next stage.”

Orlando Pirates were made to sweat for a 2-1 victory over a stubborn Magesi FC side in the Carling Knockout quarterfinal match played at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

As a result, the Buccaneers joined Richards Bay and Golden Arrows in the semifinals of the South African League Cup.

The Pirates fans have been waiting patiently for revenge ☠️⚽#SSDiski | #CarlingKnockout pic.twitter.com/2P1fimnLVj

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 28, 2025

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his charges will next turn their attention to Saturday's Betway Premiership blockbuster clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in Tshwane.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse, on the other hand, saw their defence of the Carling Knockout trophy come to an end after losing to the 2011 winners.

Coach John Maduka's wounded Magesi side will travel to Rustenburg, where they are scheduled to lock horns with Orbit College in the Betway Premiership match.

It was the Buccaneers versus goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze from the first minute in Soweto.

The Zimbabwe international frustrated Pirates in the first half by producing six great saves to deny the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi, Masindi Nemtajela and Yanela Mbuthuma, who also hit the crossbar.

It's Pirates 🆚 Elvis Chipezeze 😲

How has he saved this? 🤯

📺 Stream #CarlingKnockout on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/LmgisYLtCi

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 28, 2025

The pick of the bunch of saves made by Chipezeze came in the 33rd minute. Tshepang Moremi delivered a wonderful cross for Mbuthuma, whose powerful header from point-blank range was fantastically saved by Chipezeze and the score was 0-0 during the halftime break.

Chipezeze, who is the reigning Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament, was finally beaten six minutes into the second half. 

It took something special to beat the experienced shot-stopper as Moremi hit the back of the net with a thunderous shot from just outside the box, which sailed into the top corner to hand Pirates a 1-0 lead.

Tshepang Moremi 🔥

It was always going to take something special 😲🚀

📺 Stream #CarlingKnockout on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/8ppqtOqabr

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 28, 2025

Inspired substitute Evidence Makgopa made it 2-0 in the 87th minute when he beat Chipezeze with a low shot, with Maswanganyi providing the assist.

The hosts then went to sleep in stoppage time and Magesi pulled one back through Lehlogonolo Mokone, but Pirates held on to secure a 2-1 win on the night.

Pirates 2 (Moremi 51', Makgopa 87')

Magesi 1 (Mokone 90'+5)

Pirates: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Ndaba (Hotto 79'), Dansin (Mbule 78'), Nemtajela, Maswanganyi, Appollis (Dlamini 78'), Moremi (Sebelebele 90'+1), Mbuthuma (Makgoba 68')

Magesi: Chipezeze, Mashigo, L.Mokone, Makgoga, J.Mokone, Zungu (Darpoh 62'), Mtshali (Mariba 84'), Sibanyoni (Mahlasela 84'), Chirambadare (Vandala 73'), Mosadi, Seseane (Makhubu 62')

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker has warned his players against complacency as they prepare to lock horns with Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals on Wednesday, October 29. Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2), live on SuperSport.

Current form:

The Maroons have built up a head of steam this month after making a stuttering start to the season, which saw them win just one of their opening nine games in the Betway Premiership.

Barker's side ended a six-match winless run in all competitions with a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the CKO round of 16, and they beat 15 de Agosto 4-1 on Sunday to advance to the Caf Confederation Cup group stages.

Stellies also came out on top in a seven-goal thriller against Golden Arrows (a 4-3 win) in the league four days earlier, and Barker hopes their scoring woes are over now.

The Cape Winelands outfit found the back of the net just four times in 14 outings since they defeated AmaZulu 3-2 in the MTN quarterfinals, but they've now scored eight goals in their last two games.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa stunned Mamelodi Sundowns in the previous round after running out surprise 1-0 victors, and they followed it up with a 2-1 success against Chippa United in the league on October 19.

Their shock elimination of the Brazilians arrested a worrying run of seven matches without a win in the top flight for Alexandre Lafitte's side, who had at least drawn four of those.

What was said:

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker

"It's just really about perseverance and trusting and continuing to do the things that we always do. The confidence we got from midweek carried into today, and hopefully it can carry on through to Wednesday, and our next two very big, important league matches before the Fifa break.

"Hopefully the floodgates have opened a little bit, but we can't become complacent. We've got to keep working on the final-third box entries and on the quality of the pass, cross, or shot. We did have a barren spell, but hopefully that's now a thing of the past."

Players to watch:

Marumo Gallants - Eroine Agnikoi finally made his debut against the Chilli Boys after joining Gallants on a free transfer last month and he walked away with the man-of-the-match award thanks to his dramatic stoppage-time winner. The Ivorian defender will have his work cut out for him against Stellies, who are brimming with confidence after seeing it rain with goals over the last week.

Stellenbosch - Andre de Jong is hoping to kick on now after scoring three goals in his last two appearances. The New Zealand attacking midfielder had gone 14 games without a goal in all competitions this season before getting off the mark with a brace against Gallants in the league. He has emerged as an important player for Barker's side after contributing eight goals and five assists last term.

Head-to-Head: (Last Five Matches)

Orlando Pirates will be determined to redeem themselves when they play host to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout quarterfinal match at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-off is 7:30 pm CAT, LIVE on SuperSport.

CURRENT FORM

The Buccaneers are a wounded lion after being eliminated from the CAF Champions League, having lost 5-4 on penalties to DR Congo's Saint Eloi Lupopo on Saturday following a 3-3 draw on aggregate. However, Bucs are undefeated in their last two matches in regulation time across all competitions after thrashing Lupopo 3-0 at the Orlando Stadium.

The Carling Knockout trophy is the one domestic major title that has proved to be elusive for Pirates as they have won the League Cup once since its inception in 1982, clinching it in 2011 as the Telkom Knockout. The Soweto giants won this season's MTN8 and they are looking to complete a cup double by going all the way and clinching the Carling Knockout after defeating Siwelele FC in the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, Magesi are an improving team as they are undefeated in their last two matches across all competitions, after claiming a 2-1 victory over TS Galaxy on 18 October in the Betway Premiership. Before that, the Limpopo side had secured a 3-2 victory over AmaZulu FC in the Carling Knockout Round of 16.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse are the defending Carling Knockout champions, having eliminated Pirates in the Round of 16 en-route to lifting the trophy last season, defying all odds in the process. Magesi are now hoping to become the first team to win back-to-back league cups since 2010, when Kaizer Chiefs successfully defended the crown.

TEAM NEWS

Orlando Pirates have no suspension concerns, but the likes of Selaelo Rasebotja, Makhehlene Makhaula and Thabiso Sesane are still busy with injury rehabilitation. However, Bucs duo Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha are expected to return to the matchday squad after being rested against Saint Eloi Lupopo.

 

𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓_𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇

🏆 #CarlingKnockout QF
🆚 @Magesi_FC
🗓 28 October 2025
🎟 🔖R60 | https://t.co/R851gOyJnF
⏰ 19H00
🏟 Orlando Stadium
📺 @SuperSportTV

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/juKT0NCfUZ

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 27, 2025

 

Magesi, on the other hand, saw their captain, Elvis Chipezeze, pick up an injury during the game against TS Galaxy, but coach John Maduka has since stated that it is not serious. Furthermore, Dikwena Tsa Meetse also do not have any suspension worries coming into the cup encounter.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou

"We’ve got to keep on working because we have a lot of challenges this season. When you are supporting Orlando Pirates and you love the club, there are a lot of expectations from the fans, and they can be disappointed,” Ouaddou said.

“But at the same time, I think they’ve seen how the boys have been fighting since the first minute and how they deal with the game. The football team that they have proposed today [Saturday against Lupopo] can have some trust and confidence in the future.

“Of course, I can understand their [fans’] disappointment [after the Champions League exit] because everybody wanted us to go through; we did our best, and the best team didn’t go through to the next stage.”

Magesi FC head coach John Maduka

“It’s gonna be tough, I was not there [last year when they met]. It’s gonna be tough but these are cup games, anything can happen. We’ve done that before and last season, we did that, the team did that," Maduka said.

“They went past Orlando Pirates. We know that this time it’s not going to be easy because they know that the last time this team played them, it did well. Every opponent is difficult, even if we got any other team, not Pirates, it would have been very, very difficult.

“Maybe on this one, we can say the pressure is on Pirates because when you play these games, everyone expects Pirates to win. They have played [ten] games and won them all. The pressure is on them and because of that, maybe this is the game where it will be easy for us to do well.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tshepang Moremi, Orlando Pirates: The in-form winger could be the player to fire the Buccaneers to the semifinals, having netted his sixth goal of the season against Polokwane City last week and it also earned Bucs a victory in the Betway Premiership.

Nkanyiso Zungu, Magesi FC: The ex-Pirates midfielder will be looking to haunt his former employers after producing a Man of the Match display against TS Galaxy in a game in which he grabbed an assist and his creativity could be key to a Dikwena Tsa Meetse win over Bucs.

Head-to-Head (since 2024/25)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2024/25 Carling KO qfinals Pirates 2-3 Magesi Dlamini, Makgopa; Abrahams, Sesane (og), Chirambadare

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Pirates 1 0 0 1 2 3

Magesi 1 1 0 0 3 2

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2024/25 Magesi 0-1 Pirates Mofokeng

2024/25 Pirates 1-1 Magesi Maswanganyi; Chirambadare

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

Total

P W D L GF GA

Pirates 3 1 1 1 4 4

Magesi 3 1 1 1 4 4

Golden Arrows made sure to book their ticket into the Carling Knockout Cup semifinals after jotting down a hard-fought 2-1 win against TS Galaxy at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Arrows started the game on the right note and immediately went at the Galaxy backline.

Abafana Bes’thende moved the ball around quickly in the middle of the park, particularly with Siyanda Ndlovu and Junior Dion advancing.

While Arrows applied pressure early on, Galaxy grew into the game and returned the attacking impetus midway through the first half.

Galaxy’s pressure paid off in the 21st minute and took the lead through an effort that was ruled as an own goal by Sbonelo Cele.

Cele puts it into his own net to give the Rockets a gift 🚀⚽

📺 Stream #CarlingKnockout on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/CUk3g2O3lE

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 26, 2025

However, Arrows did not hold back and actively searched for a leveller thereafter.

Abafana Bes’thende then drew level moments before the break through Oumar Komara, after he got on the end of Cele’s cross from a corner situation.

Golden Arrows get the equaliser on the brink of half-time 😤

It's anyone's game in Durban ⚽

📺 Stream #CarlingKnockout on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/8RI18GaMXT

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 26, 2025

Golden Arrows were the aggressors after the break and often had Galaxy on the backfoot leading up to the 60th minute mark.

Jerome Karelse came close to giving Arrows the lead in the 73rd minute after he chipped Ira Tape in goal, however, the forward failed to get another touch on the ball to guide home his effort.

Much like Karelse, Ndlovu came agonisingly close to getting his name on the scoresheet in the 78th minute after he struck the crossbar with a shot inside the 18-yard-area.

Nevertheless, the game ended at 1-1 after 90 minutes and went into extra-time at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Arrows were first to the finish line during extra-time, with Ayabulela Maxwele making his chance count with a finish from the far post in the danger zone.

Maxwele’s goal proved to be the final bit of action from the match as Arrows marched to the semifinals of the tournament.

Golden Arrows: (1) 2 (Komara 44’, Maxwele 109’)

TS Galaxy: (1) 1 (Cele OG’ 21’)

Golden Arrows: Mbanjwa, Cele, Komara (Mantshiyane 96’), Jiyane, Lukhele (Phillips 41’), Maxwele, Dlamini, Cisse (Sibiya 74’ Kobedi 91’), Khumalo (Karelse 46’), Dion, Ndlovu (van Rooi 91’)

TS Galaxy: Tape, Ndamane, Mahlangu (Zulu 70’), Sibande (Letsoenyo 105’), Mbunjana (Dlamini 98’), Maduna, Dithejane, Mvelase (Ouamri 98’), Mahlambi, Zindoga (Mgaga 70’)

Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi was at the helm when the club won their only piece of silverware in 2009 but is cautious about whether they could go on and take this season’s Carling Knockout.

With the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns already eliminated, the chances are increased for an upset success in this season’s edition, with Arrows having home advantage for Sunday’s quarterfinal tie against TS Galaxy in Umlazi.

But the ever-cautious Mngqithi said: “I really don’t want to get ahead of myself. I think we must just take each game as it comes and see what we can do.”

Last season, Arrows were eliminated in both the first rounds of the Carling Knockout and the Nedbank Cup.

“Remember where we come from last season, our struggles. We can't suddenly become a team that deserves to be crowned in a competition where the teams that are in the last eight are all the teams that have done quite well. So, ours is to just focus on each game, and see what we can achieve out of it.

“But the truth is, we would love to win a trophy, after so many years. If God can be on our side, we will appreciate it,” the Arrows boss added.

Under Mngqithi, in the first of the three stints he has had as coach of Arrows, the club won their only silverware by beating Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in the 2009 MTN8 final at Orlando Stadium. It is the biggest margin of victory in a South African cup final.

Richards Bay kept their Carling Knockout hopes alive after they battled back from behind to beat Durban City 3-1 in the quarterfinals at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Saturday.

The Natal Rich Boyz looked more dangerous in the opening 45 minutes, but the score remained unchanged at halftime before Trevor Mokwena broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second half.

Knox Mutizwa then scored a dramatic equaliser six minutes from time and Nombengula Mbulelo gave Ronnie Gabriel's side the lead for the first time on 100 minutes, while Lundi Mahala added a third goal late on to secure their passage to the semifinals.

FULLTIME – Carling Knockout QF (Extra Time)

Richards Bay 3️⃣–1️⃣ Durban City
(Mokwena'53,Mutizwa'84, Nombengula'111,Mahala'119)

We’re through to the Semi-Final#NatalRichBoyZ pic.twitter.com/5VOOYErG9F

— Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) October 25, 2025

The possession stakes were fairly even in the first half, although Richards Bay made better use of the ball as they attempted almost three times as many shots at goal as the opposition.

The hosts threatened for the first time on 10 minutes when Simphiwe Mcineka fired over the crossbar after being set up by Tlakusani Mthethwa from a corner.

Gabadinho Mhango was in the thick of the action as the half progressed, seeing his shot drift wide of the target in the 25th minute before forcing Darren Keet into a save on the volley 16 minutes later following good work from Mutizwa.

The Malawian striker was presented with another opportunity on 44 minutes after latching onto Mfundo Thikazi's cross, but he failed to test Keet with another wayward effort.

However, it was City who drew first blood early in the second half as Saziso Magawana ran onto Letsie Koapeng's flick-on and squared the ball for Mokwena, who drilled a first-time shot in off the left post from range to open the scoring.

Gabriel made a couple of changes with 20 minutes left on the clock and substitute Lindokuhle Zikhali looked to make a swift impact with a venomous strike that just cleared the bar on 74 minutes.

The Citizens weren't able to defend their slender lead though, as Richards Bay hit back six minutes from time through Mutizwa, who slotted home after being set up by Sbani Mntungwa.

Extra time beckoned and the Natal Rich Boyz got off to a flying start when Mbulelo struck 10 minutes after the restart to put them ahead in the cup-tie.

The visitors struggled to create any chances of note in the remaining 20 minutes and Richards Bay sealed the comeback win at the death with a goal from Mahala.

What a comeback by Richards Bay 🌊⚽

They are the first team through to the #CarlingKnockout semi-finals ⏭️#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/UABloF0uyf

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 25, 2025

Richards Bay (0) 3 (Mutizwa 84', Mbulelo 100', Mahala 120')

Durban City (0) 1 (Mokwena 52')

Richards Bay: I. Otieno, L. Mabuya, S. Mcineka, S. Zulu, S. Mntungwa, M. Thikazi (L. Zikhali 70'), T. Zuke (L. Mtshali 71'), T. Mthethwa (M. Mthembu 120'), K. Mutizwa (T. Mabua 118'), T. Ndelu (N. Mbulelo 78'), G. Mhango (L. Mahala 64').

Durban City: D. Keet, K. Maphathe, S. Ncanana (J. Kamatuka 104'), M. Mkhize, T. Mashego, T. Mokwena, A. Jodwana (T. Nodada 65'), K. Jurgens (B. Poggenpoel 65'), S. Magawana (S. Maseko 66'), H. Domingo (T. Goedeman 74'), L. Koapeng (J. Lwamba 83').

Two KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) based sides will battle for bragging rights and a spot in the Carling Knockout semifinals as Richards Bay host Durban City at the Richards Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Richards Bay claimed a 4-1 win over Chippa United in the first round of the Carling Knockout to advance to the quarterfinals.

Knox Mutizwa made his debut, bagging two goals while Lundi Mahala and Ntlonelo Bomelo netted a goal each.

In the club’s most recent outing in the Betway Premiership, the Natal Rich Boyz were undone by Orbit College, losing 2-1 at home.

Durban City also claimed a 4-1 victory in the first round of the Carling Knockout, but beat Polokwane City in a drastically different fashion.

Polokwane City forced extra-time, drawing level with a penalty in the 88th minute. Durban City, clearly intent on avoiding a penalty shootout, piled on three goals in extra-time to seal the fixture.

In their most recent result, the Citizens fell 1-0 to another KZN side, AmaZulu, in their return from the international break.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking after his side’s first round win over Chippa United, Richards Bay head coach Ronnie Gabriel said the youngsters in his side are adapting well, aiding the club in putting good performances together.

“Our first three league games, we didn’t get positive results, but we continued to believe in the group and the blueprint of the club, which is giving youngsters a chance,” said Gabriel.

“We have to remain humble because if you score four goals in a game, youngsters can easily feel like they’ve arrived and think they’ve achieved it all.

“So, we have to keep giving them those psychological lessons. All our players come from our development structures, so we have to remind them that the work is on the pitch,” he said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richards Bay - Knox Mutizwa has made an impact since taking to the field this season. The forward has netted three goals in two appearances this season and will be looking to add to his tally against Richards Bay’s provincial rival.

Durban City - Letsie Koapeng has bagged three goals in eight league games for the top-flight newcomers and will be looking to make his mark on the Carling Knockout. The centre-forward will certainly not make life easy for the Richards Bay defence.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first competitive meeting between Richards Bay and Durban City.

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker felt his side were destined to turn around their poor record against Kaizer Chiefs and says their progress to the Carling Knockout quarterfinal can lift up their poor league form.

Stellenbosch had lost their four previous clashes to Chiefs, including their opening game of the Betway Premiership in August at home.

But on Sunday, they edged AmaKhosi on post-match penalties after extra time in their first-round tie to put an end to their poor run of form against them.

“I'm never one that holds grudges or looks to beat any team because of past results, but I had a strong sense, and the message was to the players that this is an opportunity for some redemption,” Barker explained.

“You know we've had close calls. We've had red cards go against us, and tight games and having lost to them three times last season, and you know, already this season.

“It was important for us not to go and lose a fifth game on the trot against them. So the message was, you know, it's our opportunity to, first of all, win a game so we can get into the last eight as the main objective, and the second objective was to try and keep 11 players on the pitch for as long as possible, which we did until the last bit of the game,” he added.

“But it was an important win for us against a team that's basically been beating us too regularly for our own liking.”

A night to remember ✨️#HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/jygMEV3Bmb

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) October 5, 2025

Barker said Sunday’s clash at the Cape Town Stadium was attritional.

“I think both teams didn't create massively big chances to score the goal, and maybe just one goal would have been enough to win it for either team. So it just ended up being a game of just staying in the game for as long as possible and not conceding and hopefully being able to create a moment at some stage to seal the game. I think from our side, we tried everything.

“Our substitutions showed that we wanted to win the football game. I think it was important for the club, important for the players, just to find a way to win a single match, regardless of how it was won.

“I think the effort the players put in, the commitment, the unity, the togetherness that they showed out there, is exactly what we need to continue to do. You know, we do things our way, the Stellenbosch way.

“We're a team that's difficult to play against, hard to beat, and I think we demonstrated that. I still think in terms of progress, we need to just find ways to create better, clearer opportunities to threaten the opposition goal more, but just really proud of the effort that the players put into the 120 minutes,” Barker concluded.

 

The first round of the 2025 Carling Knockout saw Gauteng giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs bow out, but their rivals, Orlando Pirates, progressed to the next stage.

Washington Arubi was the hero during a penalty shootout as Marumo Gallants claimed a 7-6 win over four-time Carling Knockout winners, Sundowns, following a 0-0 draw in Pretoria on Saturday.

In Soweto, Pirates needed a stoppage-time winner by Mbekezeli Mbokazi to overcome a stubborn Siwelele FC side and the Buccaneers' bid to win a second Carling Knockout title is on track.

The action started on Friday with Fezile Gcaba grabbing a hat-trick to propel Duban City to a 4-1 victory over Polokwane City, as the defender impressed with his goalscoring abilities in eThekwini.

On Saturday, Golden Arrows showed character as they fought back to secure a 3-1 victory over Sekhukhune United, who had opened the scoring through their star striker Bradley Grobler in Durban.

 

In Rustenburg, new signing Mehdi Ouamri was the hero as 2023 Carling Knockout runners-up TS Galaxy claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over tournament debutants Orbit College.

The action continued on Sunday with Sage Stephens saving two spot-kicks to inspire Stellenbosch FC to a 5-4 win over record winners Kaizer Chiefs on penalties following a 0-0 draw in Cape Town.

Lastly, Richards Bay secured an impressive 4-1 victory over coach Luc Eymael's Chippa United in Richards Bay and defending champions Magesi FC edged out AmaZulu FC 3-2 in Durban.

Round of 16 results

Durban City 4-1 Polokwane City

Orlando Pirates 1-0 Siwelele FC

Orbit College 0-1 TS Galaxy

Golden Arrows 3-1 Sekhukhune United

Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Marumo Gallants [Gallants won 7-6 on penalties]

Richards Bay 4-1 Chippa United

Stellenbosch FC 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs [Stellenbosch won 5-4 on penalties]

AmaZulu 2-3 Magesi FC

Quarterfinal fixtures

Orlando Pirates v Magesi

Richards Bay v Durban City

Marumo Gallants v Stellenbosch

Golden Arrows v TS Galaxy

Magesi FC edged out AmaZulu FC 3-2 to keep their defence of the Carling Knockout title on track in the Round of 16 match played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday evening.

The narrow win saw Dikwena Tsa Meetse advance to the quarterfinals for the second year running. Coach John Maduka's side will be in action after the Fifa break as they host TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership clash on October 18.

Usuthu, on the other hand, crashed out of the league cup and they will now focus on the Betway Premiership. Arthur Zwane and his charges will prepare for their KZN Derby clash against Durban City which is scheduled for October 18.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse got off to a bright start and they broke the deadlock four minutes before the half-hour mark as Kgomotso Mosadi hit the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Magesi following a good move by the visitors.

Magesi continued to launch attacks and they doubled their lead in the 33rd minute. This time it was Abby Seseane who found the back of the net and Magesi were enjoying a 2-0 lead during the halftime break in Durban.

Usuthu came back as an improved side - exerting pressure on the Dikwena Tsa Meetse defence. Athini Maqokolo was able to grab a goal on his full debut for AmaZulu to make it 2-1 four minutes before the hour mark.

The defending #CarlingKnockout champions are onto the quarter-finals 🏆🔥#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/1UkHupldc4

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 5, 2025

The comeback was complete in the 71st minute when Mondli Mbanjwa beat goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze to make it 2-2, much to the delight of the home crowd inside the 2010 Fifa World Cup venue.

It was then end-to-end stuff in the latter stages of the match as both teams searched for a late winning goal. Thabiso Kutumela netted an unfortunate own-goal to hand Magesi a 3-2 victory over AmaZulu in stoppage time.

AmaZulu (0) 2 (Maqokolo 56', Mbanjwa 71')

Magesi (2) 3 (Mosadi 26', Seseane 33', Kutumela 90'+1)

AmaZulu: Johnson, Allan, Mthethwa, Fielies, Hanamub, Mbanjwa, Sithole (Thabede 46'), Radebe (Ngcobo 46'), Maqokolo (Mzobe 68'), Ekstein, Ngwenya (Kutumela 46')

Magesi: Chipezeze, Matima, Mokone J. M. (Muvhango 75'), Mokone L., Abrahams, Mtshali, Seseane (Darpoh 63'), Zungu (Sibanyoni 76'), Makhubu, Mashigo, Mosadi.

The real story of the weekend wasn’t just Kaizer Chiefs’ Carling Knockout exit—it was goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari’s refusal to be substituted in the final moments of extra time of their Carling Knockout loss to Stellenbosch in Cape Town on Sunday.

The Rwanda international refused to come off in the last minute of extra time when his coaches Khaled Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze wanted to bring on Bruce Bvuma for the expected penalty shootout. The matter will now be handled internally, according to the coaching staff. 

Ntwari defiantly waved them away and Chiefs were unable to make the change before the final whistle.

Ntwari saved the first kick of the shootout from Andre de Jong but none of the resultant five kicks as Stellenbosch came from behind in the shootout to win 5-4 on kicks and advance to quarterfinal.

“I believe in those kinds of situations, it's something that we're going to handle internally, but, you know, he felt that he was comfortable to go on for the penalties and help the team,” Kaze said after the match.

“He was coming from a good intention. Maybe the way wasn't as good as it should be, but it's something that we will address,” he added.

Chiefs and Stellenbosch were goalless after two hours of football although the home side had Thapelo Mokobodi sent off with some 15 minutes left.

With the tie headed to post match spot kicks, Chiefs brought on Tashreeq Morris and Aiden McCarthy. McCarthy was substituted in with a minute left to take a penalty in place of Sibongiseni Mthethwa, who was initially ignored the board that went up with his number, turning his back on his bench as he also wanted to stay on.

I’ll never understand why coaches want to bring on substitutes so late in a game when they’re mentally not in active game mode. I’ve seen this before all over the world and don’t agree with it. Chiefs should have won this one during the 120 minutes. Ox was outstanding. Sage…

— Mike Makaab (@MikeMakaab) October 5, 2025

But after a minute he then reluctantly came off, allowing McCarthy to come. The youthful defender scored in the shootout but Tashreeq Morris, who was also brought on for the shootout, had his kick saved. Had he converted, Chiefs would have won but after Sage Stephens saved from Morris, the veteran goalkeeper then saved the next kick from Dillon Solomons to hand Stellenbosch success.

“I'm pretty sure that we were the better team for the 90 minutes and the extra time. We got the opportunities to go ahead,” Kaze insisted.

“We had shots, there was a good performance from the forwards, and they did everything they could. Unfortunately, we had even a chance to finish the penalties on but we missed it. It’s football and we have to go take a rest because it's been a very tough two weeks and regroup and for the next fixtures,” he added.

Penalties were needed to separate Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs at the DHL Stadium in the Carling Knockout Cup on Sunday evening, as the Cape Winelands side triumphed with a 5-4 score from the spot (0-0 after extra time).

While Andre De Jong missed Stellenbosch’s initial penalty, two missed attempts by Tashreeq Morris and Dillan Solomons saw Chiefs bow out of the competition in Cape Town.

Following a lengthy delay at the DHL Stadium, the game commenced at a frantic pace with the possession count shared equally during the first 10 minutes.

Amakhosi created the first notable scoring chance of the match in the 14th minute following a quick break into the Stellies half. With Khanyisa Mayo picking up the ball toward the edge of the box, the Chiefs attacker let off a venomous left footed strike that hit the upright.

Stellenbosch looked dangerous on the break and often took the game to Chiefs, particularly at the midway point of the first-half. However, the Soweto giants sat tight and warded off the Stellies pressure at the time.

While Stellenbosch saw most of the ball for the majority of the first 45, it was Chiefs who created more scoring opportunities en-route to goal. Nevertheless, the referee called time on the first-half with the score remaining at 0-0.

Stellies book a ticket to the #CarlingKnockout quarter-final 👏#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/UinBlH21aq

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 5, 2025

Chiefs were afforded one of the first attempts after the restart after Mayo had an initial attempt saved, while Pule Mmodi’s close range header was blocked soon thereafter.

The game continued to be a tense affair at the hour-mark while the visitors applied pressure high up the pitch. Stellenbosch had positive moments going forward but were often stifled at the last moment.

Chiefs put the home team under immense pressure leading up to the 80th minute mark but had nothing to show for their attacking impetus.

The game eventually headed into extra-time following a 0-0 score in regulation time. With another gruelling 30 minutes of football set to be played at the Cape Town Stadium, both sides battled to convert their scoring chances. Also, Stellenbosch were reduced to 10 men late on in the game, after Thapelo Mokobodi received his marching orders.

Nevertheless, the game was forced into a penalty shootout as the Cape Winelands side claimed a 5-4 win from the spot in the Mother City.

Stellenbosch FC: 0

Kaizer Chiefs: 0

After extra time; Stellenbosch won 5-4 on penalties.

Stellenbosch FC: Oscarine (Stephens 61’), Manafov (Mdaka 90’), Moloisane, Mcaba, Mokobodi, Khiba (De Jong 72’), Mthiyane, Lekoloane (Cupido 46’), Palace, Titus (Mojela 105’), Khanyi (Barns 61’)

Kaizer Chiefs: Ntwari, Cross, Miguel, Macheke, Solomons, Mthethwa (McCarthy 121’), Ngcobo (Cele 46’) Mmodi, Shabalala (Sirino 88’), Lilepo (Morris 119’), Mayo (Du Preez 79’)

 

Knox Mutizwa hit a brace of goals to inspire Richards Bay to a 4-1 triumph over Chippa United in a Carling Knockout round of 16 clash at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Natal Rich Boyz joined Marumo Gallants, Golden Arrows, TS Galaxy, Orlando Pirates and Durban City in the quarterfinal draw, which will be completed with Stellenbosch FC or Kaizer Chiefs, as well as AmaZulu FC or Magesi FC.

Four of the five goals were scored in an entertaining first-half in which the hosts took full advantage of Chippa’s slipshod defending, while the second stanza saw Bay happy to sit on their lead and hit on the counter – eventually adding a cherry on top via substitute Lundi Mahala in injury time.

Bay got off to a flying start and claimed the lead in the fourth minute, as Siyabonga Nzama’s shot was blocked by Seun Ndlovu, but fell perfectly for Ntlonelo Bomelo, who easily finished from close range for 1-0.

And in the seventh minute it was 2-0 to the Natal Rich Boyz, as Knox Mutizwa got on the end of Wandile Ngema’s in-swinging corner kick from the left flank and directed a header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The Chilli Boys were stunned by their opponent’s fast start, but gradually gained a foothold in the game and pulled a goal back in the 26th minute when Bienvenu Eva Nga fired in a low cross from the right and Azola Tshobeni stabbed home from close range.

 

The Eastern Cape side were looking to build another spell of pressure, but a loss of possession in midfield allowed Bomelo to spring free down the left and tee up Mutizwa, who easily finished past Nwabali in the 37th minute to restore Bay’s two-goal advantage.

Three goals to one down at the break, Chippa opted for a double change at the start of the second half which saw Bandile Dlamini and Thabang Molaoa thrown into the fray, and they created a couple of notable openings – including a header on target for Justice Figuareido which was comfortable saved by Ian Otieno.

That was the only real key involvement for Otieno through the second half, with the hosts able to keep the Chilli Boys’ attempts at a comeback at bay – and they stretched the lead out to 4-1 four minutes into injury time when Mahala race free down the left of the penalty area and provided a right-footed finish past Nwabali at the near post.

The teams will return to league action after the international break, with Bay at home to Orbit College on Friday 17 October, and Chippa away to Marumo Gallants on Sunday 19 October.

Richards Bay (3) 4 (Bomelo 4’, Mutizwa 7’ 37’, Mahala 90+4’)

Chippa United (1) 1 (Tshobeni 26’)

Bay: Otieno, Mabuya, Zuke, Mcineka, Mangolo (Mtungwa 46’), Mthethwa, Ngema (Thikazi 62’), Mthembu, Bomelo (Mahala 79’), Nzama (Khumalo 90+1’), Mutizwa (Mtshali 79’)

Chippa: Nwabali, Kammies, Ndlovu (Dlamini 46’), Idumba, Modise, Figuareido, Mosele, Konqobe (Ntsundwana 68’), Philander (Molaoa 46’), Tshobeni (Mfecane 83’), Eva Nga (Hlophe 83’)

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said Orlando Pirates’ winning streak is because of character and hard work as he once again lavished praise on his players after they beat Siwelele in the Carling Knockout on Saturday.

A wonder strike three minutes from time from 20-year-old captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi saw Pirates win 1-0 to book a place in the quarterfinals.

It was an eighth successive victory for the Buccaneers, who were bundled out in the first round of the Carling Knockout last season by eventual winners Magesi.

“My team and I were expecting a very tough game. I had listened to their coach (Lehlohonolo Seema) in the (pre-match) press conference, and he said that he would come for results,” said Ouaddou of Saturday’s clash at the Orlando Stadium.

“So I guessed that he would come with a medium block, low block. We worked on that but it was not easy. I said that the game would be won by small details. And it came from a central defender, a fantastic shot from maybe 30-40 yards. I'm very proud of my boys.

“They showed again great personality, great character. It's not only luck, it's daily work, it's belief, it's quality, trust between them, trust with the technical staff and just I'd like to congratulate my staff and my players for this game.”

Ouaddou said he knew of Mbokazi’s ability from long range, after he cracked home the winner with his left foot.

“I'm not surprised because he has a very, very strong shot. He’s shown it many times in training. He took the decision to shoot from 30-40 yards. He’s a guy who believes in himself.

“You cannot shoot from 40 yards when you don't trust yourself, when you don't believe in yourself, and when you don't believe in your qualities. It's really a goal that delivered for all the team, gives happiness to all the players and the fans as well.

“You can see that the danger can come from everywhere now in our team. It's not only the strikers, the midfielders, the weapons can come from everywhere,” added Ouaddou.

 

Siwelele coach Lehlohonolo Seema felt his team gave Orlando Pirates a torrid afternoon but there was nothing they could do about the wonder winner from Mbekezeli Mbokazi that gave the Buccaneers a last-gasp victory in Saturday’s Carling Knockout first-round tie.

“Congratulations to Mbokazi, I think it took the special goal to break us down,” said Seema after the one-goal loss at the Orlando Stadium with Mbokazi striking home from distance in the 87th minute.

But Seema felt his side had done well in the contest.

“I think technically we applied ourselves very well, although we started a little bit badly, conceding an early penalty because I think a lot of players were still trying to settle, and the nerves were still there. That's not how you start the game, especially when you're playing Pirates.”

Keabetswe Khonyane gave away the third-minute penalty but Evidence Makgopa struck the kick against the upright.

“After that, we knew that the longer the game goes on, we would be fine because we had our game plan. I must say to the players that they were spot on because Pirates changed their system with (Tshepang) Moremi playing inside. We had to adjust quickly, because with him playing inside, he plays a different dimension, but we managed to deal with that,” said Seema.

“We are not happy as well that we are out of the Cup. This means that we don't have an extra game that we can play, but it gives us another opportunity to go and prepare for the next week or two.

“You saw that there's a fight. We are really, really working hard and this team is taking shape. There's light in the tunnel, and this team is showing steady progress and is stepping in the right direction,” the Siwelele coach added.

 Marumo Gallants claimed their first ever victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, winning 7-6 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes of football in their Carling Knockout encounter at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday.

Sundowns fell on penalties for the second time this season after losing to Orlando Pirates in a shootout in the MTN8 semifinals at the same venue.

Gallants remain unbeaten against Sundowns this season after beating the club for the first time, having drawn 1-1 with the Brazilian in their Betway Premiership encounter on 17 September.

It was a Saturday to remember in the #CarlingKnockout 🤩🏆#SSDiski | #SSFootball pic.twitter.com/O9NgS0Um53

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 4, 2025

New Sundowns signing from Portugal Miguel Reisinho had a debut to forget as he lasted just six minutes on the pitch after being subbed on, earning a red card.

Gallants had debutants of their own as 19-year-old Ivorian Agnikoi Eroine and his countryman Ibrahim Bancé both played their first game for Bahlabane ba Ntwa.

Tashreeq Matthews started hot for Sundowns, squaring himself and shooting from just beyond the area in the 11th minute, but he could not find the target.

Aubrey Modiba’s cross at the byline in the 17th minute caused chaos in the Gallants box. The ball eventually fell for Nuno Santos, whose shot was blocked by a wall of Galants defenders.

Matthews cut onto his right foot at the edge of the area in the 24th minute, but his effort sailed wide.

Mpho Chabatsane took a crack at goal from distance in the 32nd minute. His shot had the power but not the direction and did not trouble Ronwen Williams in goal.

In the 35th minute, Williams played a dangerous long-ball through for Iqraam Rayners. Sekela Sithole attempted to intercept the ball and missed it completely, forcing goalkeeper Washington Arubi to leave the box but he missed the ball as well. Luckily for Gallants, substitute Khumbulani Ncube cleared the ball before Rayners could reach it.

Despite having 70 per cent possession in the first half, Sundowns could not manage a shot on target as Galants proved to be difficult to break down.

Sundowns continued searching for an opener and nearly found one in the 49th minute. Marcelo Allende’s shot was blocked, with the rebound falling for Khuliso Mudau. The right back hastily flashed the ball wide from close range.

Arubi was nearly caught out in the 50th minute as Arthur Sales’ effort was blocked by Ncube, sending the goalkeeper diving the wrong way as the ball bounced just wide.

In the 65th minute, Arubi dived to deny Modiba’s freekick and the rebound fell to Malibongwe Khoza. The 21-year-old failed to grab a second goal in as many games, missing the follow-up.

Rayners found the target with a header in the 68th minute from Allende’s freekick, but was rightly judged to be offside.

Rayners cut inside on the edge of the area and had his effort sent wide by the head of Marvin Sikhosana in the 72nd minute.

Substitute Teboho Mokoena nearly put the hosts ahead in the 81st minute, hitting the crossbar from Allende’s corner, bouncing the ball too hard off the deck and hitting the woodwork.

The Brazilians were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute as debutant Reisinho received a straight red card for his challenge on Siyabonga Nhlapo.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, the game went to extra time.

In the 96th minute, Modiba was dispossessed by Jaisen Clifford after a heavy touch, who fed fellow substitute Kamohelo Sithole through on goal. However, Sithole could not find the target with Mosa Lebusa draped on him.

With no player able to produce a winner, proceedings moved to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

Allende took Masandawana’s first attempt and was denied by Arubi’s legs but Williams returned the favour, stopping Clifford’s attempt to put Gallants ahead.

Arubi denied Sundowns second attempt from Fawaaz Basadien, while Simo Luthuli sent Williams the wrong way to score.

All subsequent players converted until Sithole who was stopped by Williams, pulling Sundowns level.

After another six successful penalties, Arubi denied Mosa Lebusa before scoring himself to send last year’s runners-up out of the tournament.

Mamelodi Sundowns 0

Marumo Gallants 0

After extra time, Gallants won 7-6 on penalties

Mamelodi Sundowns: R. Williams, B. Aubaas (T. Mokoena 61’), K. Cupido (M. Lebusa 89’), M. Khoza, A. Modiba, M. Allende, K. Mudau (T. Morena 99’), T. Matthews (F. Basadien 89’), N. Santos, A. Sales (M. Reisinho 79’), I. Rayners (P. Shalulile 89’)

Marumo Gallants: W. Arubi, M. Sikhosana, M. Chabatsane, S. Nhlapo, T. Motloung (D. Msendami 64’), E. Agnikoi, B. Mabuza (S. Luthuli 118’), N. Ndlondlo (J. Clifford 64’), D. James (K. Ncube 35’), S. Sithole (M. Mpambaniso 78’), I. Bancé (K. Sithole 77’)