Sundowns, Pirates, Chiefs avoid each other in Carling Knockout round of 16 draw
South Africa's traditional giants avoided each other in the Carling Knockout opening round, with Pirates, Chiefs, and Sundowns facing Milford, Galaxy, and Gallants.
The traditional top three teams – Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns – did not face each other in the opening round of the Carling Knockout. Instead, they were paired with Milford, TS Galaxy, and Marumo Gallants respectively. Pirates, who lost their four-season run to Sundowns in the MTN8 final, will be keen to kick off their domestic cup defense in this competition.
To maintain their status, Pirates might need to balance their participation in the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League if they advance. Chiefs will host TS Galaxy, having been eliminated from the MTN8 and needing to improve their league form after a series of draws. Galaxy may face early challenges, but they are motivated to face a formidable opponent like Chiefs, whom they have troubled in the past.
Sundowns enter the competition with high spirits, already having won the MTN8 trophy this season. However, they will face tough competition from Gallants, who beat Sundowns on penalties in the same round last season. The addition of Ronny Kananelo, a former Sundowns star, will boost Gallants' morale. In another matchup, AmaZulu will take on Kruger United.
This is a game that Usuthu, a strong team, will want to win to solidify their reputation as one of the top teams of the season.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
