There have been 11 different winners in the last 12 editions, a stunning statistic, and while powerhouse Orlando Pirates remain, they have a dismal record in the Carling Knockout, with just one trophy win (in 2011) from nine visits to the decider.
Here is a look at the quarter-final match-ups.
Saturday, 25 October – 15h00
A KwaZulu-Natal derby between two sides who will both fancy their chances of victory, but who have been in inconsistent form this campaign, making this a tough one to call. Durban City look to have the better squad, but Richards Bay have been formidable at home, at least until they were stunned 2-1 by Orbit College last time out. City are not great travellers, with no wins from five on the road (D2 L3), but they do not have to go far for this one. This will be the first-ever meeting between the sides.
LAMONTVILLE GOLDEN ARROWS VS TS GALAXY
Sunday, 26 October – 15h00
Both sides are coming off defeats in their last outing, with Golden Arrows losing a seven-goal thriller at Stellenbosch FC and TS Galaxy going down 2-1 at Magesi FC. On current form, both were surprise results. Galaxy have dominated matches between these two sides and lead the head-to-head 6-1, with five draws. That lone win for Golden Arrows came at home in 2021. They have been excellent on their own patch of late, with five wins from their last six games, their only defeat a 1-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs in August. They have seen plenty of goals at both ends in the league, with 13 scored and 13 conceded in 10 games (a total of 26). Galaxy are not far behind (14 for, 11 against), meaning this should be a game with plenty of goals.
Tuesday, 28 October – 19h00
With Orlando Pirates in CAF Champions League action this weekend, this tie has been moved to Tuesday. It is a repeat of the Last 16 clash in 2024 when Magesi FC stunned Pirates 3-2 and went on to lift the trophy in one of the most unlikely triumphs in South African football history. The Buccaneers will be out for revenge but also to try to bounce back from what could be a hugely disappointing exit in the Champions League this weekend, where they trail DR Congo side St Eloi Lupopo from the first leg. These sides met last season, with a win each and a draw. Pirates are on a nine-game winning run in domestic football, and it would be a shock if they do not keep that run going here. Magesi, however, have managed back-to-back wins after a tough start to the campaign.
MARUMO GALLANTS VS STELLENBOSCH FC
Wednesday, 29 October – 19h00
Another fixture moved due to Stellenbosch’s CAF commitments this weekend, the 2023 champions travel to Bloemfontein for a tricky tie against Marumo Gallants. Stellies had been struggling for goals this campaign, with four 0-0 draws in a row, before throwing caution to the wind in a 4-3 home win over Golden Arrows in the league. Gallants are coming off a 2-1 win over struggling Chippa United, which ended an eight-game winless run (D5 L3), though that run did include a penalty shoot-out victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the previous round of the Carling Knockout. They are also a team for whom goals can be tough to find. Stellenbosch edged Kaizer Chiefs on penalties in the previous round and have lost only one of their last seven Carling Cup games, a 1-0 defeat away to Gallants last season.