Will Orlando Pirates, the new cup specialists, live up to their title?
All eyes are on the newly crowned cup specialists Orlando Pirates to see if they can live to their just acquired title in the Carling Black Label Knockout.
The newly crowned kings of the Premier Soccer League, Orlando Pirates, were handed a walk in the park in the first round of the Carling Black Label Knockout when they were paired against the maidens of the premiership, Magesi FC.
Read more: Marriott Bonvoy to spoil the fans of Orlando Pirates
The mighty Buccaneers were crowned the cup specialists, wrestling the title from their Soweto arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, who had clung to the title despite going through more than 15 years of a cup drought, when the Bucs came from behind to defend the MTN 8 trophy for a second time in a row after winning it in the 2022/23 season.
The Bucs came from behind to ‘spook’ victory by 3–1 from the jaws of a rising force of South African football, Stellenbosch FC, who are only five years old in the premiership football space having joined it in the 2019/2020 season.
Besides their twice-in-a-row defence of the MTN 8, the Sea Robbers have won, and also defended, the Nedbank Cup, and with their newly found form, and cup specialists title, they could be in line for yet another cup in the form of the Carling Knockout.
Former cup kings title holders AmaKhosi Amahle were handed a tricky opening clash against SuperSport United, who are currently blowing hot and cold in the Betway Premiership this season.
Also read: Orlando Pirates 1995 lucky charm jersey does the job
In their recent encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaKhosi showed promising signs of a long-awaited rejuvenation, as Masandawana snatched victory, and Amakosi were unlucky as their last gasp goal was ruled offside.
Masandawana, who are being spooked by the MTN 8 as the least registered giant winners of the trophy, will face Lamontville Golden Arrows in the last 16 of the Carling Cup, while defending cup champions, Stellies, will lock horns with AmaZulu, who have just fired their coach Pablo Franco Martin after a bad start of three-game loses this season.
The last round of 16 teams will kick off this month on a date still yet to be announced by the league, with the final scheduled for December 21 at the iconic Orlando Stadium, which is currently the home of the Buccaneers.
The full draw of the Carling Black Label Knockout is:
Orlando Pirates versus Magesi
Kaizer Chiefs versus SuperSport United
Mamelodi Sundowns versus Lamontville Golden Arrows
Stellenbosch versus AmaZulu
Richards Bay versus Sekhukhune United
Polokwane City versus Marumo Gallants
TS Galaxy versus Chippa United
Cape Town City versus Royal AM
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Marriott Bonvoy to spoil the fans of Orlando Pirates
