The Wait Is Over: Carling Knockout Dates and Times Confirmed—Who Will Survive the Battle for Glory?

Carling Knockout Cup Dates and Kick-Off Times Confirmed as South Africa’s Biggest Clubs Prepare for Fierce Battle

The countdown to knockout football has officially begun, with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirming the dates, venues and kick-off times for the 2026 Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16. South African football supporters can now look forward to a thrilling series of fixtures as the country’s leading clubs battle for a place in the quarter-finals.

The competition will take place from Saturday, October 24, to Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with eight fixtures scheduled across the opening knockout round. The announcement has increased anticipation among supporters, with defending champions Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and several ambitious challengers preparing for what promises to be an exciting contest.

According to the PSL’s official announcement, the action begins on Saturday, October 24, when Lamontville Golden Arrows host Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium at 15:00. Later that evening, Polokwane City will welcome Siwelele FC to Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00. r

The competition continues on Sunday, October 25, with Kruger United taking on AmaZulu FC at Mbombela Stadium at 15:00. Sekhukhune United will then face Richards Bay FC at New Peter Mokaba Stadium at 18:00 as both teams look to secure their place in the next round.

Tuesday, October 27, promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated days of the opening round, with three fixtures scheduled for 19:00.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates will host Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena, while Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Marumo Gallants to Loftus Versfeld Stadium. At the same time, Kaizer Chiefs will face TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium in a fixture expected to attract considerable attention from Amakhosi supporters.

The Round of 16 will conclude on Wednesday, October 28, when Durban City FC host Stellenbosch FC at Chatsworth Stadium, with the match also scheduled to begin at 19:00.

With knockout football leaving little room for mistakes, every club will understand the importance of producing a strong performance. Unlike league football, where teams have opportunities to recover from dropped points, a cup competition places immediate pressure on clubs to deliver when it matters most.

Orlando Pirates will enter the tournament as defending champions, hoping to continue their success after lifting the trophy in 2025. However, their opponents will be determined to prevent another Buccaneers triumph and seize their own opportunity to claim silverware.

Mamelodi Sundowns will also be among the teams attracting attention, with the Tshwane giants looking to add another domestic trophy to their collection. Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, will be eager to progress and give their supporters another reason to believe in the club’s ability to compete for honours.

The presence of ambitious sides such as Milford FC, Kruger United and Richards Bay adds another dimension to the competition. These teams will have the opportunity to challenge more established clubs and potentially produce the surprises that make knockout football so compelling.

The tournament also offers a substantial financial incentive. According to reports on the competition, the eventual winners are set to receive R6.85 million, while the runners-up will collect R2.85 million.

Beyond the prize money, the Carling Knockout Cup provides clubs with an opportunity to strengthen their reputation, reward supporters and build momentum during the season.

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