Orlando Pirates have been drawn away to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) side Richards Bay FC in the semifinal of the Carling Knockout Cup.
The Buccaneers booked their place in the last four after eliminating the competition’s defending champions, Magesi FC, with a convincing 2-1 victory at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
In the first semifinal, Golden Arrows will host Marumo Gallants, also in KZN. Gallants became the last team to qualify for the semifinals following their emphatic 4-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in a rain-soaked encounter at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who was voted Man of the Match, was the star of the evening, netting a brace, while Edgar Manaka and Monde Mphambaniso added their names to the scoresheet to seal the comprehensive victory.
This year marks the 43rd anniversary of the competition, which was first introduced in 1982 as the Datsun Challenge. The inaugural title was won by Arcadia Shepherds, who defeated Highlands Park 2–0 in the final. The following year, Kaizer Chiefs lifted the trophy for the first time with a 2–1 win over Wits University.
Since then, the mighty Amakhosi have gone on to dominate the tournament, winning it 13 times, the most by any club in South African football history. Chiefs, currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase after a decade of underachievement, remain the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Over the years, the cup has enjoyed seven different sponsors, evolving from the Datsun Challenge to various names before becoming the Carling Knockout under Carling Black Label sponsorship. Carling is now celebrating its third year as title sponsor, having taken over from telecommunications giant Telkom.
Since Carling’s takeover, the tournament has produced unexpected results, with smaller clubs often upsetting the traditional powerhouses. Stellenbosch FC won the inaugural Carling Knockout in 2023, edging TS Galaxy 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. The following year, Magesi FC stunned Mamelodi Sundowns 2–1 to lift the trophy.
This season promises more drama as the remaining four teams battle for a place in the prestigious Carling Knockout final.
