Carling last 16 draw confirmed: Sundowns face Gallants, Chiefs head to Stellenbosch
2025 Carling knockout Cup. Photo Credit- Sports Laduma
The PSL has unveiled the highly anticipated Last 16 draw for the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup, setting the stage for another thrilling edition of South Africa’s premier knockout competition. The draw, conducted on Monday afternoon at FNB Stadium, pairs eight Betway Premiership sides against eight National First Division (NFD) clubs, promising early fireworks as underdogs eye upsets against the league’s heavyweights. Defending champions Magesi FC, who scripted history last season by lifting the trophy in their debut top-flight campaign, headline the fixtures with a provincial clash against AmaZulu, while last year’s runners-up Mamelodi Sundowns host Marumo Gallants in a bid for redemption
Among the standout matchups, Stellenbosch FC welcome a star-studded Kaizer Chiefs to the Western Cape, renewing a rivalry already tested in league play this term, while Orlando Pirates seek to exorcise last season’s first-round demons against NFD outfit Siwelele FC. Other intriguing ties include Richards Bay FC taking on Chippa United, Golden Arrows hosting Sekhukhune United, and Durban City facing Polokwane City in an all-Premiership showdown. Lower-tier representatives Orbit College and Siwelele add spice, drawn against TS Galaxy and Pirates respectively, echoing Magesi’s fairy-tale run that culminated in a shock final victory over Sundowns in Bloemfontein.
The full slate fixture
AmaZulu v Magesi FC, Mamelodi Sundowns v Marumo Gallants, Stellenbosch FC v Kaizer Chiefs, Orbit College v TS Galaxy, Durban City v Polokwane City, Richards Bay v Chippa United, Orlando Pirates v Siwelele FC, and Golden Arrows v Sekhukhune United.
As the second knockout tournament of the season ramps up, all eyes will be on whether NFD sides can replicate Magesi’s heroics and disrupt the Premiership pecking order. Match dates and venues are yet to be finalized, but the PSL has confirmed the ties will kick off the road to the final in the coming weeks. Fans are buzzing with excitement, particularly around Chiefs’ away test and Pirates’ redemption arc, as the Carling Knockout reaffirms its reputation for drama and giant-killings.
