{"id":44136,"date":"2026-11-09T12:08:54","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T10:08:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=44136"},"modified":"2026-11-09T12:08:56","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T10:08:56","slug":"kaizer-chiefs-vs-sundowns-carling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/kaizer-chiefs-vs-sundowns-carling\/","title":{"rendered":"Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Da Cruz Sends Strong Message Ahead of Carling Knockout Semifinal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kaizer Chiefs will face Mamelodi Sundowns away from home in the Carling Black Label Knockout semifinals following the draw held on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The fixture was confirmed after Chiefs defeated Siwelele FC 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, while Sundowns secured their place with a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows. Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has welcomed the challenge, describing the upcoming encounter as an important test of his team&#8217;s development and an opportunity to reach the final.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-533570891\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The semifinal draw also confirmed that Stellenbosch FC will host defending champions Orlando Pirates in the other fixture, keeping open the possibility of a Soweto Derby in the final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/gauteng-election-results-2026\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: Gauteng Election Results 2026: Why Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni Need Coalition Governments<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Da Cruz Sees Sundowns Clash as a Test of Chiefs&#8217; Progress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Da Cruz, the prospect of facing Sundowns represents more than another knockout fixture. The Chiefs coach believes his players need demanding matches to develop the maturity required to compete at a higher level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking to reporters after the quarterfinal victory in Polokwane, Da Cruz explained that reaching the semifinals had been the immediate objective, with the understanding that qualification would bring a difficult opponent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said Chiefs needed matches of this nature to grow as a team and made it clear that their intention was to compete for a place in the final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The meeting will also renew a rivalry that has already produced a closely contested result this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs and Sundowns played to a draw in their Betway Premiership encounter at FNB Stadium on 15 August 2026. Langelihle Phili put Amakhosi ahead before Cassius Mailula equalised for Sundowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That previous result provides a recent reference point for both teams, although the upcoming semifinal carries a different consequence. Unlike a league match, the knockout encounter will determine which club advances to the competition&#8217;s final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Velebayi&#8217;s Late Goal Sends Chiefs Into the Last Four<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs secured their semifinal place through a comeback victory against Siwelele FC on Sunday, with substitute Asanele Velebayi scoring the decisive goal in the 84th minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The winger&#8217;s strike was his first for Amakhosi since joining the club in 2025. He had entered the match in the 75th minute, replacing Mduduzi Shabalala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal completed a difficult evening for Chiefs, who had fallen behind early and missed an opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Siwelele started strongly at Peter Mokaba Stadium, forcing goalkeeper Brandon Petersen into an important save from Vincent Pule in the 11th minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A minute later, Siyabonga Ndebele headed Siwelele into the lead from a corner, leaving Chiefs needing to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Amakhosi were awarded a penalty in the 37th minute after Mfundo Vilakazi was fouled inside the area by Pule. Shabalala took responsibility but sent his attempt over the crossbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs received another penalty shortly before halftime when Ndebele fouled Shabalala inside the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This time, Wandile Duba stepped forward and converted, bringing the scores level at 1-1 before the interval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second half remained competitive, with both sides looking for an opportunity to take control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs eventually found their breakthrough after Siwelele substitute Sabre Benjamin misplaced a pass. Flavio Da Silva collected the opportunity and supplied Velebayi, who finished past goalkeeper Jody February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The late winner secured a 2-1 victory and extended Chiefs&#8217; Carling Knockout campaign into the semifinals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-487197219\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Da Cruz Praises Velebayi and Backs Shabalala<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the match, Da Cruz praised Velebayi for making an impact despite having limited playing opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking to SuperSport TV, the Chiefs coach highlighted the winger&#8217;s commitment during training and his willingness to contribute whenever called upon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Velebayi&#8217;s performance demonstrated the importance of substitutes in a knockout match where a single goal can determine the outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Da Cruz also defended Shabalala after his missed first-half penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The midfielder had an eventful evening, missing the initial spot kick before winning the second penalty that allowed Duba to equalise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Da Cruz acknowledged that even experienced players miss penalties and emphasised the importance of Shabalala maintaining his confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He described the midfielder as an important member of the squad and encouraged him to continue working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coach&#8217;s comments reflected his focus on player development as Chiefs prepare for another demanding cup fixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sundowns and Pirates Complete the Semifinal Lineup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mamelodi Sundowns were the first side to qualify for the Carling Knockout semifinals after defeating Golden Arrows 1-0 at home on Tuesday, 3 November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orlando Pirates followed with a 1-0 home victory over Sekhukhune United on Saturday, 7 November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stellenbosch FC completed the semifinal lineup on Sunday after securing a 2-1 home victory against AmaZulu, with a late goal deciding the contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The semifinal draw produced two fixtures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stellenbosch FC vs Orlando Pirates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"826\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/image-53-826x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/image-53-826x1024.png 826w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/image-53-242x300.png 242w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/image-53-767x951.png 767w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/image-53-149x185.png 149w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/image-53-449x557.png 449w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/image-53.png 1136w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 826px) 100vw, 826px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/photo\/?fbid=122196838292795769&amp;set=a.122157161012795769\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Facebook<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sundowns and Stellenbosch will host their respective matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The draw also means Chiefs and Pirates cannot meet before the final. A Soweto Derby remains possible if both clubs win their semifinal fixtures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, Chiefs must first overcome Sundowns, while Pirates face a Stellenbosch side that also required a late winner to progress from the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dates, kick-off times and specific venues for the semifinals were not included in the supplied announcements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-487197219\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Carling Black Label Knockout semifinals will feature three Gauteng clubs, with Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates all competing for places in the final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For local football supporters, the Chiefs versus Sundowns encounter provides another opportunity to follow one of South African football&#8217;s established rivalries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fixture will also have particular significance for Chiefs supporters following their team&#8217;s comeback against Siwelele and Velebayi&#8217;s first goal for the club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pirates supporters will be watching the second semifinal closely, knowing that victory against Stellenbosch could set up a meeting with Chiefs if Amakhosi also progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters planning to attend either match should wait for confirmed fixture details and official ticketing information before making travel arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Will Kaizer Chiefs Play in the Carling Knockout Semifinals?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kaizer Chiefs will face Mamelodi Sundowns away from home after the semifinal draw on 8 November 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Did Kaizer Chiefs Qualify for the Semifinals?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs defeated Siwelele FC 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 8 November. Wandile Duba scored from the penalty spot before Asanele Velebayi netted the winner in the 84th minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Will Orlando Pirates Face in the Other Semifinal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orlando Pirates will play away against Stellenbosch FC, who defeated AmaZulu 2-1 in their quarterfinal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Meet in the Final?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. The semifinal draw placed the Soweto rivals in separate fixtures, meaning they could meet in the final if both teams qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Will Chiefs Play Sundowns?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The supplied information confirms the semifinal pairing but does not provide an official match date or kick-off time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-487197219\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Next in the Carling Knockout?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The four remaining clubs will now prepare for the semifinals, with a place in the Carling Black Label Knockout final at stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs enter the next round following a comeback victory that required a late contribution from their substitutes. Sundowns arrive having secured a narrow win over Golden Arrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Da Cruz, the next challenge will be to translate the lessons from the Siwelele match into a performance capable of securing qualification against Sundowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters should follow official club and competition announcements for confirmed match dates, venues, kick-off times and ticket availability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kaizer Chiefs will face Mamelodi Sundowns away from home in the Carling Black Label Knockout semifinals following the draw held on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The fixture was confirmed after Chiefs defeated Siwelele FC 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, while Sundowns secured their place with a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows. Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has welcomed the challenge, describing the upcoming encounter as an important test of his team&#8217;s development and an opportunity to reach the final.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":44144,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"kaizer chiefs,CKO","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[11916,275,360],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-44136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-cko","tag-kaizer-chiefs","tag-mamelodi-sundowns"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","avatar_alt":"","avatar_decorative":"","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng - producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44136"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44136\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44143,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44136\/revisions\/44143"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44144"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44136"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=44136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}