Orlando Pirates face a grudge match in the next round of the Carling Knockout after being drawn against defending champions Magesi in the quarter-finals.
Following a thrilling opening round of the competition, Pirates emerged amongst the eight teams to progress to the last eight. They defeated tournament debutants Siwelele in their Round of 16 clash held at Orlando Stadium with Mbekezeli Mbokazi providing the solitary strike in what was a drama-filled encounter.
After securing their spot in the next round, they’re set to host the team that prevented them from progressing past the first round in the competition’s previous edition.
Magesi made their mark in domestic cup football with a giant-killing run in the 2024/25 Carling Knockout, where they went on to lift their first major title. Their journey towards that honour began at Orlando Stadium, where they staged a remarkable upset in racing to a three-goal lead on the halfway mark before withstanding a late surge from the hosts to clinch a 3-2 win.
That result proved to be a catalyst for a successful run in the competition, concluded with a 2-1 win against one of the pre-tournament favourites in Mamelodi Sundowns.
Having edged past AmaZulu in the first round of this year’s competition, they now face an in-form Pirates side looking to clinch their second trophy of the 2025/26 season midway through the ongoing campaign.
The Buccaneers penned their name among the last eight teams standing, and now have an opportunity to take another significant step towards ending a 14-year long League Cup drought.
They will have experienced the disappointment that comes with an early exit, and will look to rectify things against the same side that was responsible for their most recent elimination.
