Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals: Dates, times, predictions

The Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals continue this weekend, with Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs among the teams battling for a place in the last four.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates will welcome Sekhukhune United to the Orlando Amstel Arena, while Kaizer Chiefs face Siwelele FC in Polokwane.

The remaining quarter-final will see AmaZulu travel to the Danie Craven Stadium to take on Stellenbosch FC.

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ORLANDO Pirates wary of Sekhukhune threat

Orlando Pirates will head into Saturday’s clash as favourites, having already beaten Sekhukhune United three times this season.

The Buccaneers defeated Babina Noko twice in the MTN8 semi-finals before recording another victory in the Betway Premiership.

However, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is taking nothing for granted, particularly following Sekhukhune’s coaching change.

Papi Zothwane has replaced Cedric Kaze and will be hoping to make an immediate impact against the defending champions.

Ouaddou has warned his players that Sekhukhune will be a dangerous opponent, especially with the team eager to put its previous defeats behind it.

“It will be one of the most difficult games. I told my boys that we have to be careful of a team that is hurting. We also have to be cautious of the coach in charge now.

“I’m not sure he previously had full control to implement his ideas, but I remember last year at Richards Bay, we had a lot of problems against him,” Ouaddou said.

Zothwane believes his players are ready for the challenge.

“Preparations have gone very well, knowing the type of team we are playing against. Pirates are in good form and hardly lose at the Arena.

“We are also very much aware of our past results against Pirates. However, a cup game is about who wants it the most, and we know we are playing against the defending champions.”

KAIZER Chiefs desperate for Carling Knockout success

Kaizer Chiefs will also be under pressure to deliver when they meet Siwelele FC on Sunday at 18:00.

Amakhosi have endured an inconsistent start to the campaign, having missed out on another MTN8 title and currently occupying fifth place in the Betway Premiership standings.

They are 12 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, albeit having played one fewer match.

Coach Fernando da Cruz believes winning the Carling Knockout Cup could provide the club with much-needed momentum.

The Kaizer Chiefs coach says the club always enters cup competitions with the intention of winning silverware, adding that lifting the trophy would create positive momentum for everyone involved.

However, Siwelele will have other ideas.

Interim coach Godfrey Mosoetsa believes his players will need no special motivation to face one of South African football’s biggest clubs.

“As a coach you don’t do much to motivate the players because they know they will play against a big club with a big crowd. In itself, it’s a motivation,” Mosoetsa said.