Pirates advance as Sundowns & Chiefs bow out of Carling Knockout

The first round of the 2025 Carling Knockout saw Gauteng giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs bow out, but their rivals, Orlando Pirates, progressed to the next stage.

Washington Arubi was the hero during a penalty shootout as Marumo Gallants claimed a 7-6 win over four-time Carling Knockout winners, Sundowns, following a 0-0 draw in Pretoria on Saturday.

In Soweto, Pirates needed a stoppage-time winner by Mbekezeli Mbokazi to overcome a stubborn Siwelele FC side and the Buccaneers' bid to win a second Carling Knockout title is on track.

The action started on Friday with Fezile Gcaba grabbing a hat-trick to propel Duban City to a 4-1 victory over Polokwane City, as the defender impressed with his goalscoring abilities in eThekwini.

On Saturday, Golden Arrows showed character as they fought back to secure a 3-1 victory over Sekhukhune United, who had opened the scoring through their star striker Bradley Grobler in Durban.

In Rustenburg, new signing Mehdi Ouamri was the hero as 2023 Carling Knockout runners-up TS Galaxy claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over tournament debutants Orbit College.

The action continued on Sunday with Sage Stephens saving two spot-kicks to inspire Stellenbosch FC to a 5-4 win over record winners Kaizer Chiefs on penalties following a 0-0 draw in Cape Town.

Lastly, Richards Bay secured an impressive 4-1 victory over coach Luc Eymael's Chippa United in Richards Bay and defending champions Magesi FC edged out AmaZulu FC 3-2 in Durban.

Round of 16 results

Durban City 4-1 Polokwane City

Orlando Pirates 1-0 Siwelele FC

Orbit College 0-1 TS Galaxy

Golden Arrows 3-1 Sekhukhune United

Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Marumo Gallants [Gallants won 7-6 on penalties]

Richards Bay 4-1 Chippa United

Stellenbosch FC 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs [Stellenbosch won 5-4 on penalties]

AmaZulu 2-3 Magesi FC

Quarterfinal fixtures

Orlando Pirates v Magesi

Richards Bay v Durban City

Marumo Gallants v Stellenbosch

Golden Arrows v TS Galaxy