The Carling Knockout Cup kicks off this weekend with all 16 Premiership clubs in action across a packed schedule of fixtures. The competition is played on a straight knockout basis, with matches decided on the day. If the score is level after 90 minutes, extra time is played, and if still tied, a penalty shootout follows.
We take a closer look at three standout first round clashes involving Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs.
SATURDAY
Orlando Pirates vs Siwelele – click here to bet
Orlando Pirates come into this clash in excellent form, having built strong momentum both domestically and in cup competition. The Buccaneers have put together an impressive winning run, highlighted by a 2–0 victory over TS Galaxy in their most recent outing.
That followed a dominant 4–0 win over Lioli FC and a narrow 1–0 triumph against Siwelele just weeks ago. Their defence has been watertight, keeping seven consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.
Siwelele, meanwhile, have endured mixed fortunes. They did claim a morale-boosting 1–0 win over Marumo Gallants in their last league match, but earlier 2-0 defeats to Magesi and Durban City exposed their inconsistency.
Goals have been hard to come by, with just one scored in their last seven matches.
Head-to-Head:
Pirates hold the recent edge, winning 1-0 away at Siwelele in September 2025. While Cup history between the two sides is limited, the Buccaneers have asserted dominance in the only league encounter.
Odds: Orlando Pirates –1.55 | Draw –3.50 | Siwelele – 6.50
Verdict:
With Pirates in ruthless form and Siwelele struggling for goals, the Soweto giants look well-positioned to progress and I think they will do so without conceding.
BET: Orlando Pirates to win and Both Team to Score NO – check price closer to kick off
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants – click here to bet
Sundowns enter the Carling Knockout as one of the tournament favourites, possessing both pedigree and current form. Despite a shock 1-0 league defeat to Golden Arrows, they responded emphatically with a 4–1 thrashing of Richards Bay.
That came after a 3–1 victory over Durban City and a 3–0 win against Magesi earlier in September. Their attacking firepower remains unmatched, and their defence has looked solid in recent fixtures.
Marumo Gallants, by contrast, have struggled to convert draws into wins. They have drawn four of their last five league games, including a 1–1 stalemate with Sundowns in mid-September that highlighted their resilience.
However, a narrow 1–0 defeat to Siwelele last weekend underlined their ongoing issues in front of goal.
Head-to-Head:
Sundowns have dominated this fixture historically, winning eight of the last thirteen meetings, with the other five ending in draws. Gallants are yet to register a victory against them. In last season’s Carling Knockout, Sundowns claimed a 2–0 win in November 2024, reinforcing their superiority in Cup format.
Odds: Mamelodi Sundowns – 1.45 | Draw – 4.00| Marumo Gallants – 7.00
Verdict:
Gallants are stubborn opponents, but Sundowns quality and depth should see them through comfortably on home soil. I am expecting a close, low-scoring win for the Tshwane outfit.
BET: Sundowns to win & under 2.5 goals at 2.35
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SUNDAY
Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs – click here to bet
Kaizer Chiefs face a tricky away matchup against Stellenbosch in Cape Town. The side have shown flashes of form this season, with a 1–0 CAF Confederation Cup (finished 1-1 over 2 legs and Chiefs won on penalties) win over Kabuscorp and a hard-fought 1–1 league draw with Marumo Gallants last week.
Inconsistency, however remains an issue, with recent defeats to Sekhukhune by three goals to one and Kabuscorp by a single goal.
Stellenbosch endured a difficult September, suffering three straight league defeats in which they managed only one goal. They remain resilient at home but lack a cutting edge, as shown in consecutive goalless draws against Durban City and Chippa United in their last two matches.
Head-to-Head:
Chiefs have historically enjoyed the upper hand, winning ten of the nineteen previous meetings. Most recently, they beat Stellenbosch 2–0 away in August 2025, extending a dominant record that also includes back-to-back league wins last season and a 3–1 Nedbank Cup victory in the 2024/25 campaign.
Odds: Stellenbosch – 4.30 | Draw –3.20 | Kaizer Chiefs – 1.85
Verdict:
Stellenbosch’s defensive organisation could frustrate Chiefs, but Amakhosi’s superior record in this fixture and greater attacking options give them the edge in what could be a tight contest.
BET: Kaizer Chiefs to win at 1.85
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
