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Dingizwe Gwala

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Carling Knockout Cup but were too afraid to ask as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns gun for gold

Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kazier Chiefs are perceived as favourites to win the 2024-25 Carling Knockout, but underdogs have a say.

The Carling Knockout - formerly known as the Telkom Knockout, Rothmans Cup, Coca-Cola Cup, John Player Special Cup, and the Datsun Challenge - stands tall as one of the most thrilling and enduring local cups in the PSL’s history.

Stellenbosch made history as the inaugural champions under the Carling banner, securing their first piece of silverware in the top flight thanks to the brilliant leadership of Steve Barker.

This tournament brings a host of exciting innovations, including enticing prize money and enhanced fan engagement, making every match a spectacle to behold.

Fans can look forward to electrifying clashes, such as SuperSport United facing off against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates going head-to-head with Magesi while Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Golden Arrows. Here, GOAL dives into the finer details ahead of the last 16 kicking off this weekend.

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  • Stellenbosch FC celebrates lifting the trophy during the 2023 Carling Black Label Knockout match between Stellenbosch FC and TS Galaxy at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban on the 16 December 2023.BackpagePix

    Underdogs wag their tails

    Much like the Nedbank Cup, the league cup opens doors for the so-called smaller teams to dream big and vie for silverware.

    Defending champions Stellenbosch promoted in the 2018-19 season, have already etched their name in history last season as they won their maiden top-flight title.

    They follow in the footsteps of Baroka, who famously shocked Pirates in 2018, defeating the Buccaneers 3-2 on penalties.

    The now-defunct Platinum Stars also basked in the limelight, celebrating victories in 2006 and 2013, while Cape Town City made waves in their debut season after John Comitis relocated Mpumalanga Black Aces to the Mother City.

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  • Lehlogonolo Mojela and Thabiso Monyane, Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch Backpage

    Fak' iGoal Uzobona

    This initiative inspires teams to net early in Carling Knockout matches, starting with R90,000 which decreases by R1,000 for every minute without a goal.

    Fans who accurately predict the team and the timing of the first goal enter a draw for the remaining amount on the clock.

    Plus, Carling Black Label matches this winning sum and rewards it to the first scoring team, ensuring everyone shares in the excitement.

    In its inaugural year, this initiative showered Champion fans with over R2 million, creating a true win-win scenario for both supporters and teams.

  • Andile Jali Carling Knockout MOTMBackpagepix

    Money gallore!

    Last season, the Man of the Match award saw an unprecedented influx of cash, with the standout player pocketing R100 000, determined by fan votes to enhance engagement.

    Stars like Andile Jali and Thembinkosi Lorch enjoyed the lucrative rewards, while Iqraam Rayners took home an impressive R400 000.

    This season promises the same, setting a remarkable precedent in Africa for player rewards.

    While the financial incentive fuels motivation, the fan voting system raises the possibility of undeserving players claiming the prize.

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  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates, October 2024Backpagepix

    Doormats of the competition

    Who would have imagined that South African giants Pirates have been quite dismal in this competition? The Buccaneers have only claimed it once in 2011 when they beat the now-defunct Bidvest Wits 3-1.

    And that was it when it came to this competition.

    Pirates are by far the worst performers in finals, having reached nine and lost eight of those.

    Their closest rivals, Chiefs and Sundowns both lost in the final on four occasions.

  • Kaizer Chiefs celebrating Cufa Cup, October 2024Backpagepix

    Kaizer Chiefs... cup kings

    Amakhosi stand tall as the kings of the Carling Knockout competition, boasting an impressive 13 titles.

    In stark contrast, their closest rivals, Sundowns, have managed just four victories each.

    Chiefs’ dominance is remarkable, having only lost four finals out of 17 appearances, yielding a staggering 76.4% winning rate.

    With the new coaching staff led by Nasreddine Nabi, eager to reignite Amakhosi's glory days, this tournament presents a golden opportunity to extend their legendary record.

  • All Star players pose with trophy during the Carling Knockout All Stars vs Stellenbosch game.BackpagePix

    The All-Star Game

    The winners of the Carling Knockout will face off against a Carling All-Star team, selected by fans.

    This allows fans to choose the All-Star roster from the 15 Premier Division clubs and Diski Challenge teams.

    The All-Star lineup will feature six players from the Premiership and five from the Diski Challenge, all under the guidance of a PSL coach voted in by the fans.

    Last season's champions Stellies were beaten by the All-Star team. This season's match is set to take place at the Orlando Stadium.

  • Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Top three performers

    1. Kaizer Chiefs: 13 titles

    2. Mamelodi Sundowns: 4 titles

    3. Bidvest Wits: 3 titles

  • Ranga Chivaviro and Marcelo Allende, Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Last 16 fixtures

    18 Oct: AmaZulu vs Stellenbosch, 19:00 - King Zwelithini Stadium

    19 Oct: Orlando Pirates v Magesi, 15:00 - Orlando Stadium

    19 Oct: Polokwane City v Marumo Gallants, 15:00 - Old Peter Mokaba Stadium

    19 Oct: Sundowns v Golden Arrows, 18:00 - Lucas Moripe Stadium

    19 Oct: Cape Town City vs Royal AM, 20:00 - Athlone Stadium

    19 Oct: SuperSport United v Kaizer Chiefs, 20:00 - New Peter Mokaba Stadium

    20 Oct: TS Galaxy v Chippa United, 15:00 - Mbombela Stadium

    20 Oct: Richards Bay vs Sekhukhune United, 17:30 - King Zwelithini Stadium

  • Steve Barker, StellenboschBackpage

    Dive deeper

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