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Knockout Cup

Knockout Cup Overview

Sifiso Luthuli, Orlando Pirates

Former Sundowns coach reveals Buccaneers’ winning ingredient

After a few seasons of the Soweto giants showing flashes of being a dangerous outfit only to fall short at crucial moments, the Sea Robbers have produced a commendable run of form, signaling their intent to go for everything in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season. The Bucs have already lifted three trophies before the halfway mark of the campaign — the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Carling Black Label Cup — while also sitting top of the league table, underlining their growing authority and consistency.

Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates

‘Chiefs coach can only run like Ouaddou when fans chase him with a sjambok! He can outrun Matlou!'

The former Morocco defender was captured in a moment of connection with his players after the Buccaneers beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 to win the Carling Knockout at Peter Mokaba Stadium last Sunday. The Soweto giants' coach sprinted on the pitch with his players in hot pursuit to shower him with champagne in celebration of their triumph and second major trophy of the season.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates

Mbokazi believes 'winning energy' from Pirates will carry Bafana at AFCON

The Buccaneers were rewarded with their impressive domestic form as they produced nine players for Hugo Broos' South Africa, who will be in Morocco from December 21 to challenge for the continental glory. The 20-year-old defender who recently sealed a move to the Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire is convinced Bucs players will play a starring role for the national team at the tournament.

Marcelo Allende, Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2025

Allende, Vilakazi, Sundowns and Chiefs high-profile players set to face Pirates in Carling Cup

The Sea Robbers have been excellent in local competitions since the 2025/26 season began, already netting two crowns. This weekend, they have a chance to win another one, although unofficial, when they come up against a team selected by the fans at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Amakhosi and Masandawana have each produced four players in the starting side as voted in.

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Standings

PosTeamPWDLFA+/-PTSForm
1ليون crestليون87011851321
W
W
W
W
L
2أستون فيلا crestأستون فيلا8701146821
W
W
W
W
W
3ميتييلاند crestميتييلاند86111881019
W
D
W
L
W
4ريال بيتيس crestريال بيتيس8521137617
W
L
W
W
W
5بورتو crestبورتو8521137617
W
D
W
W
D
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Frequently asked questions

Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times, more than any other club. Their most recent victory came in 2020, but there is a club from Manchester hot on their heels...

A total of 745 clubs will be participating in the 2024-25 FA Cup, spanning from the Premier League down to Level 9 of the English football league system, with teams from the Level 10 acting as stand-ins in case a team from the aforementioned levels drops out from the competition. The inaugural FA Cup in 1871-82 had just 15 teams participating in it.

Former Liverpool defender Ian Callaghan, with 88 appearances, is FA Cup's record-appearance maker in history.

The all-time top scorer in the FA Cup is Ian Rush, with 41 goals in 62 games, primarily scored during his time as a centre forward for Liverpool.

Paris Hamilton-Downes became the youngest player to ever feature in the FA Cup, debuting at 13 years, 11 months, and one day.for Carshalton Athletic in 2019.

The FA Cup has featured many football legends, including Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, and Frank Lampard. Modern-day superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Sergio Aguero have also made their mark on the competition.

Legendary managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola have guided their teams to success in the FA Cup. Notably, Wenger holds the record for most FA Cup victories as a manager, with seven titles to his name.