Orlando Pirates are the only big team remaining in the Carling Knockout Cup after both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated from the competition
The Buccaneers edged out Siwelele on Saturday thanks to a brilliant long-range goal by Mbekezeli Mbokazi. The win sees them match in the quarter-finals, where they will face defending champions Magesi.
After securing their spot in the next round, they’re set to host the team that prevented them from progressing past the first round in the competition’s previous edition.
Can Pirates win the Carling KO?
They face a Magesi side that made their mark in domestic cup football with a giant-killing run in the 2024/25 Carling Knockout, where they went on to lift their first major title.
Their journey towards that honour began at Orlando Stadium, where they staged a remarkable upset in racing to a three-goal lead on the halfway mark before withstanding a late surge from the hosts to clinch a 3-2 win.
That result proved to be a catalyst for a successful run in the competition, concluded with a 2-1 win against one of the pre-tournament favourites in Mamelodi Sundowns.
If Pirates are to win this year’s Carling KO, they will have to work harder than they did in the MTN8. Out of the nine finals, the Buccaneers have only won the competition once and that came in 2011.
Here are the rest of the fixtures:
Richards Bay v Durban City
Orlando Pirates v Magesi
Marumo Gallants v Stellenbosch FC
Golden Arrows v TS Galaxy