Carling Knockout Cup: Last 16 Draw Delivers Blockbuster Matchups

The stage is set, the gloves are off, and the Carling Knockout Cup is ready to ignite once again. Monday’s draw in Johannesburg unveiled the Last 16 fixtures for the 2025 edition—and fans are already buzzing about the headline clash: Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs.

Cape Clash Steals the Spotlight

Stellenbosch FC, the pride of the Cape Winelands and 2023 champions, will welcome Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs in what promises to be a fiery showdown. Chiefs, fresh off a 2-0 win in Cape Town during the Betway Premiership opener, return to familiar territory—but this time, the stakes are knockout high.

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A Tournament of Twists and Triumphs

Now in its third year under the Carling Knockout banner (formerly the Telkom Knockout), the tournament has already delivered fairy-tale moments. Stellenbosch’s dramatic penalty shootout win over TS Galaxy in the inaugural edition etched their name in history. But last season’s story was even more surreal—Magesi FC, fresh from promotion, stunned Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 to lift the trophy in a seismic upset.

Defending Champs Begin Their Quest

Magesi FC begin their title defence with a trip to Durban to face AmaZulu, hoping lightning strikes twice. Meanwhile, newcomers Orbit College and Siwelele FC are thrown into the deep end—Orbit hosts TS Galaxy, while Siwelele heads to Soweto to battle the mighty Orlando Pirates, fresh off their MTN8 triumph.

Full Last 16 Fixtures

• AmaZulu vs Magesi FC
• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants
• Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs
• Orbit College FC vs TS Galaxy
• Durban City vs Polokwane City
• Richards Bay vs Chippa United
• Orlando Pirates vs Siwelele FC
• Golden Arrows vs Sekhukhune United

Dates and venues will be revealed soon, but one thing’s certain—the Carling Knockout Cup is back, and it’s bringing drama, dreams, and dazzling football.