Defending champions Orlando Pirates have been drawn against Milford FC in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup.
The draw for the last 16 of the fourth edition of the Carling Knockout Cup took place at the Langhams Lifestyle Estate in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.
Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 draw:
Kruger United v AmaZulu FC
Mamelodi Sundowns v Marumo Gallants
Lamontville Golden Arrows v Chippa United
Durban City v Stellenbosch FC
Orlando Pirates v Milford FC
Polokwane City v Siwelele FC
Sekhukhune United v Richards Bay FC
Kaizer Chiefs v TS Galaxy
Since the tournament’s introduction in 2023, Stellenbosch FC were the first club to win the trophy, with Magesi FC winning the second edition after a shock 2-1 victory against Mamelodi Sundowns in Mangaung.
Orlando Pirates were crowned the 2025 champions following a 1-0 win against Marumo Gallants in Polokwane.
WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES TO WIN THE FOURTH EDITION OF THE CARLING KNOCKOUT?
After winning the MTN8 last weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns will be one of the clubs expected to win their Carling knockout match, alongside other in-form sides. With their current run this season, AmaZulu FC will also be one of the clubs to watch in this season’s competition.
Usuthu are currently in the top three after winning six of their opening eight matches with one draw and one defeat.
However, a club like Amakhosi cannot be ruled out of competing for a domestic trophy under new coach Fernando Da Cruz. Chiefs have yet to lose a match in the Betway Premiership this season, with three wins and five draws and no defeats.
Sekhukhune United have also shown intentions to compete for trophies. Their last major cup final was in 2023 when they lost 2-1 against Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup at Loftus Versfeld.
HOW THE CARLING KNOCKOUT DRAW PROCEDURE WORKED
As in previous years, all 16 clubs participating in the Betway Premiership contest the Carling Knockout.
Three bowls were used for the draw, with Pot A containing the eight seeded clubs that finished in positions one to eight in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Pot B was an empty pot used to determine home and away designations, while Pot C contained the names of the remaining unseeded eight clubs.
This basically means that the so-called big three, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, avoided each other as they all finished in the top three.
Newcomers Milford FC and Kruger United took the place of relegated clubs Magesi FC and Orbit College.
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