The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed the dates, venues and kick-off times for the 2026 Carling Knockout Cup last 16. The action starts this Saturday, 24 October.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs will all play at home in Gauteng on Tuesday, 27 October. Their ties were moved to midweek because of their CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup commitments.
Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 Fixtures
| Date | Kick-off | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 24 October | 15:00 | Golden Arrows vs Chippa United | King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi |
| Saturday, 24 October | 18:00 | Polokwane City vs Siwelele FC | Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane |
| Sunday, 25 October | 15:00 | Kruger United vs AmaZulu | Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela |
| Sunday, 25 October | 18:00 | Sekhukhune United vs Richards Bay | New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane |
| Tuesday, 27 October | 19:00 | Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC | Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto |
| Tuesday, 27 October | 19:00 | Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants | Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria |
| Tuesday, 27 October | 19:00 | Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy | FNB Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Wednesday, 28 October | 19:00 | Durban City vs Stellenbosch FC | Chatsworth Stadium, Durban |
The winner of each tie goes through to the quarterfinals.
Gauteng’s Big Night: Three Ties On Tuesday
Tuesday, 27 October brings three last 16 ties to Gauteng at the same time, all kicking off at 19:00.
Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC, Orlando Amstel Arena
The defending champions start their title defence at home in Soweto against Milford. Milford arrive with some confidence after their recent 1-0 league win over Golden Arrows in Durban.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants, Loftus Versfeld
Sundowns host Marumo Gallants in Pretoria. They’ll want to go one better than in 2024, when they lost the final to Magesi FC in one of the competition’s biggest upsets.
Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy, FNB Stadium
Chiefs welcome TS Galaxy to FNB Stadium. Amakhosi will be hoping a cup run brings some silverware this season.
ALSO READ: Soweto Derby 2026: Pirates Host Chiefs At FNB Stadium On 31 October As Both Chase Sundowns
Weekend Fixtures To Watch
Golden Arrows vs Chippa United
The tournament opens on Saturday afternoon in Umlazi. The pressure is on Golden Arrows coach Pitso Dladla. Reports say his position is under review after one win in eight league games, and Orlando Pirates assistant Mandla Ncikazi has been linked with the job. A cup win could ease that pressure.
Polokwane City vs Siwelele FC
Siwelele beat Polokwane City 1-0 in the Betway Premiership in Bloemfontein. Polokwane City will be looking for revenge at home on Saturday evening.
Sunday Double-Header
On Sunday, Kruger United host AmaZulu in Mbombela in the afternoon. In the evening, Sekhukhune United take on Richards Bay at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Durban City vs Stellenbosch FC
The last 16 ends on Wednesday, 28 October in Chatsworth. Eric Tinkler’s Durban City host Stellenbosch, who won the first Carling Knockout title in 2023.
What’s At Stake
- Winners: R6,85 million
- Runners-up: R2,85 million
- Man of the Match: voted for by fans, with R100 000 for each game’s winner.
Previous Carling Knockout Winners
| Year | Champions |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Stellenbosch FC |
| 2024 | Magesi FC, who beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the final |
| 2025 | Orlando Pirates |
This is the fourth Carling Knockout Cup since the competition was relaunched in 2023.
Going To A Gauteng Game? Matchday Tips
- Buy tickets only through official channels, and check the clubs’ and PSL’s social media for ticket details.
- Plan your trip home. The 19:00 kick-offs mean games finish around 21:00, after the last Gautrain on most routes. Arrange a lift, e-hailing or shuttle in advance.
- Arrive early. Midweek traffic around Soweto, Nasrec and Hatfield can be heavy after work.
- Keep valuables to a minimum, and follow stadium security rules on bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does The Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 Start?
The last 16 starts on Saturday, 24 October 2026, with Golden Arrows vs Chippa United at 15:00 at King Zwelithini Stadium.
When Do Orlando Pirates Play In The Carling Knockout Cup?
Orlando Pirates host Milford FC on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at 19:00 at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
When Do Kaizer Chiefs Play In The Carling Knockout Cup?
Kaizer Chiefs host TS Galaxy on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at 19:00 at FNB Stadium.
When Do Mamelodi Sundowns Play In The Carling Knockout Cup?
Mamelodi Sundowns host Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at 19:00 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Why Are Pirates, Sundowns And Chiefs Playing On A Tuesday?
Their ties were moved to midweek because of their CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup commitments.
Who Are The Carling Knockout Cup Defending Champions?
Orlando Pirates are the defending champions after winning the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup.
How Much Do The Carling Knockout Cup Winners Get?
The winners receive R6,85 million and the runners-up R2,85 million.
