The traditional big three – Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns – avoided each other in the Carling Knockout opening round as they’ll face Milford, TS Galaxy, and Marumo Gallants respectively.
Disappointed after relinquishing their four-season streak to Sundowns in the MTN8 final, Pirates will be eager to begin their domestic cup defence in the competition, which they claimed after beating Gallants in the final last season.
Doing well in the competition will mean that Pirates may have to juggle three competitions, including the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League if they qualify for the group stage.
Chiefs will host TS Galaxy in their own clash. They have to get a strong start in the competition and set the tone going forward after already missing out on the MTN8, while they are under pressure to improve their league form following a series of draws, including three in a row.
Galaxy might have their fair share of early troubles to the season, but they’ll be highly motivated to face Chiefs, whom they’ve given trouble in the past. Galaxy, moreover, will want to make up for lost time in the competition after losing to Stellenbosch in the final in 2023.
Sundowns will arrive in the competition high on morale. They are already the best team in domestic football so far this season, having already won the first silverware of the campaign, the MTN8.
Gallants will not be easy customers for Sundowns, though. They beat Sundowns on penalties in the same round of the competition last season. The Rustenburg-based team will also be inspired by the fact that they have Ronny Kananelo, who played and won trophies at Sundowns during his heyday.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu will visit Kruger United in their clash. This is a match that Usuthu will want to win at all costs and consolidate their tag as one of the big teams of the season following their impressive start.
Full fixtures for the round of 16:
Kruger United v AmaZulu
Mamelodi Sundowns v Marumo Gallants
Golden Arrows v Chippa United
Durban City v Stellenbosch
Orlando Pirates v Milford
Polokwane City v Siwelele
Sekhukhune United v Richards Bay
Kaizer Chiefs v TS Galaxy