The last 16 draw for the 2026 Carling Knockout Cup is out. Defending champions Orlando Pirates will host Betway Premiership newcomers Milford FC, while fellow Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs will welcome TS Galaxy.
Headline ties
- Pirates host Milford FC, the second time this season they have been drawn at home against a Premiership newcomer.
- Chiefs are at home to TS Galaxy.
- Last season’s finalists Marumo Gallants travel to Mamelodi Sundowns, a repeat of last season’s last 16 tie in this competition.
- Debutants Kruger United make their Carling Knockout bow at home to Arthur Zwane’s high-flying AmaZulu FC.
Full last 16 draw
- Kruger United vs AmaZulu FC
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants
- Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Chippa United
- Durban City vs Stellenbosch FC
- Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC
- Polokwane City vs Siwelele FC
- Sekhukhune United vs Richards Bay FC
- Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy
Past winners
Stellenbosch FC (2023), Magesi FC (2024) and Orlando Pirates (2025).
How last season unfolded
The last 16 delivered early shocks. Gallants beat league champions Sundowns 7-6 on penalties, with goalkeeper Washington Arubi the hero. Stellenbosch knocked Chiefs out on penalties, and Pirates edged Siwelele 1-0 thanks to a Mbekezeli Mbokazi strike.
In the quarterfinals, Gallants beat Stellenbosch 4-0, Arrows saw off TS Galaxy, Pirates beat Magesi 2-1 and Richards Bay beat Durban City 3-1. Pirates then beat Richards Bay 1-0 in the semifinals, while Gallants edged Arrows on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Pirates took the title with a 1-0 win over Gallants in the final at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The big question
Which last 16 tie will deliver this season’s biggest upset?
