PSL: Carling Knockout Cup R16
The second edition of the Carling Knockout Cup commences this weekend with eight mouthwatering fixtures. All 16 PSL teams begin their journey for the trophy and the R6.85 million winner’s cheque.
Will Stellenbosch defend their crown from last season? Can Orlando Pirates trophy-laden coach Jose Riveiro get his hands on yet another trophy for the Buccaneers? Can the sleeping giants of South African football, Kaizer Chiefs, finally bring back glory to the Amakhosi faithful? Or will Mamelodi Sundowns return to winning ways and claim another South African domestic trophy? All these questions will be answered starting this weekend when all eight Round of 16 games kick off across Mzansi.
If you want comprehensive, competitive and diverse PSL betting markets, place your bets with Tic Tac Bets, SoccerShop and Bettabets. Each platform offers new players some great deposit bonuses and other fantastic ongoing promotions for all players.
PSL: Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 Fixtures
Amazulu vs Stellenbosch
Amazulu
Amazulu will welcome the start of the Carling Knockout Cup, as they have started the new PSL season poorly. With three defeats in three games, they prop up the South African Premiership standings. Their tournament’s opening game allows the team to reset and try and improve their form.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch will also welcome this game as they try to overcome the heartbreak of the MTN 8 Final loss to Orlando Pirates. The team are competing on all fronts this season, so coach Steve Barker will have to rotate his side well.
Recent H2H:
- Stellenbosch 0-0 Amazulu
- Amazulu 0-1 Stellenbosch
- Stellenbosch 2-0 Amazulu
Verdict and Suggested Bet
Both teams will have high hopes of going far in the tournament, and this should be a great game to kick things off. I expect a bounce back from Stellenbosch after the late loss in the MTN 8 Final. They should be too good for a poor Amazulu side, and I suggest backing them to progress to the next round.
Suggested Bet – Stellenbosch to qualify @ 1.60✅
Orlando Pirates vs Magesi
Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates have had the perfect start to the new season with three wins from three in the league, plus an MTN 8 Final win. Coach Jose Riveiro has dominated all the local cup competitions in his tenure and will hope to add the Carling Knockout Cup to his impressive CV.
Magesi
Magesi are in their debut season in the PSL and have improved with every game. One aspect they must improve is the need for goals, as they have scored only two goals in four games.
Recent H2H: N/A
Verdict and Suggested Bet
Magesi will have their sights on a giant-killing in the Round of 16 and have it all to do to beat this strong Pirates team. I think they will be taught a lesson here and will struggle to compete with Pirates over 90 mins. Orlando Pirates to win in 90 minutes is a good bet to add to any accumulators this weekend.
Suggested Bet – Orlando Pirates to win @ 1.50❌
Polokwane vs Marumo Gallants
Polokwane
Polokwane has started the season well with seven points from four games. Their games have seen plenty of goals, and Tholo Thabang Matuludi is the team’s top scorer with two goals.
Marumo Gallants
After overachieving last season, Marumo Gallants have struggled so far in the 2024/2025 season. A major concern is the poor defence, and the team has leaked goals, conceding 8 in four games.
Recent H2H: N/A
Verdict and Suggested Bet
The PSL league is not associated with many goals, but these two teams can produce plenty of chances and goals. I expect a high-scoring encounter and will back over 1.5 goals, which is another good bet to add to any accumulator for this weekend.
Suggested Bet – Over 1.5 match goals @ 1.57✅
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Golden Arrows
Mamelodi Sundowns
After the disappointment of not reaching the MTN 8 Final, Sundowns have bounced back well in the league. They lead the standings with three wins from three and are free-scoring with eight goals. Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners have started the new season brilliantly, and both have three goals after four league games.
Golden Arrows
After a strong start with two wins, Golden Arrows have slipped up with two losses. The International break came at the right time for the team, and they will hope for better fortunes starting this weekend.
Recent H2H:
- Golden Arrows 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
- Mamelodi Sundowns 4-0 Golden Arrows
- Golden Arrows 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Verdict and Suggested Bet
In the build-up to this match, all the talk has been about Steve Khomphela. At the start of preseason, he departed Golden Arrows as head coach and rejoined Sundowns as assistant coach. However, this game is played on the pitch, and Sundowns should be too good for this Arrows side. After missing out on one trophy this season, the squad will be gunning for the Carling Knockout Cup title.
Suggested Bet – Mamelodi Sundowns to win @ 1.70✅
Supersport Utd vs Kaizer Chiefs
Supersport Utd
Supersport have made a slow start to the season and are just two places above the relegation zone. Still, it is early, but the pressure will mount on coach Gavin Hunt if they suffer an early exit here.
Kaizer Chiefs
After two wins, Kaizer Chiefs fans would have been hoping for something special this season. However, the team was brought back down to earth after losing to Sundowns before the International break. A win here should get things back on track for Amakhosi.
Recent H2H:
- Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Supersport Utd
- Supersport Utd 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
- Supersport Utd 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Verdict and Suggested Bet
This is the standout tie of the Round of 16 and promises an action-packed game. Both teams will be desperate to progress, and a win is a must for both squads. The pressure is building on Gavin Hunt, and he will hope to get one over his former team. I can’t separate either team and will back the draw and hope for some extra time and penalty drama.
Suggested Bet – Match to finish in a Draw @ 3.10❌
Cape Town City vs Royal AM
Cape Town City
After some good initial seasons in the top flight, Cape Town City have stagnated over the past 18 months. Coach Eric Tinkler will hope for an upturn in form and results starting from this weekend’s game.
Royal AM
Royal AM have drawn all four league games this season. While they have kept three clean sheets, they are struggling for goals, with just one goal in four games. Interestingly, their solitary goal this season has come against Cape Town City in the league.
Recent H2H:
- Royal AM 1-1 Cape Town City
- Royal AM 2-0 Cape Town City
- Cape Town City 2-0 Royal AM
Verdict and Suggested Bet
These teams met in the opening week of the 2024/2025 PSL season. The game finished 1-1, and both have struggled since then. Both teams will believe they can win this game, but I can’t separate them over 90 minutes.
Suggested Bet – Match to finish in a Draw @ 3.20❌
TS Galaxy vs Chippa Utd
TS Galaxy
TS Galaxy have started the season slow and are in the relegation zone with no wins or points. The Carling Knockout Cup gives the team a distraction, allowing them to focus on a new competition and try to improve their poor league form.
Chippa Utd
After an opening-game loss to Orlando Pirates, Chippa has bounced back well. They sit fourth in the standings with seven points from four games. Forward Eva Nga started the season strong with two goals.
Recent H2H:
- Chippa Utd 2-1 TS Galaxy
- TS Galaxy 0-2 Chippa Utd
- TS Galaxy 2-0 Chippa Utd
Verdict and Suggested Bet
These teams met just before the October International break when Chippa claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win at home. This time, TS Galaxy are at home and will hope for a reversal and progression to the Quarterfinals. At this stage of the season, Chippa is the better team and should progress in this tie.
Suggested Bet – Chippa Utd to qualify @ 1.50❌
Richards Bay vs Sekhukune
Richards Bay
Richards Bay have made an okay start to the season with four points from four games. One worry is the lack of goals, with just one goal from four games. The team is struggling to create decent chances, and it will be interesting to see if they worked on that issue during the International break.
Sekhukune
Sekhukune has made a brilliant start to the campaign and sits in third position. Undefeated after three games, the team are free-scoring and solid at the back. The break came at the wrong time, and they will hope that the momentum and good form can continue in this tournament.
Recent H2H:
- Sekhukune 3-1 Richards Bay
- Richards Bay 1-1 Sekhukune
- Sekhukune 2-0 Richards Bay
Verdict and Suggested Bet
The final tie of the Round of 16 takes place on Sunday evening in KZN. Both teams will have high expectations for this game, and it should be an even game. If Richard Bay can produce more chances, they should trouble the solid backline of Sekhukune. I expect a close game; extra time may be on the cards.
Suggested Bet – Richards Bay double chance @ 1.60✅
PSL: Carling Knockout Cup Accumulator
- Stellenbosch to qualify at 1.60✅
- Orlando Pirates to win at 1.50❌
- Mamelodi Sundowns to win at 1.70✅
- Supersport Utd vs Kaizer Chiefs Draw at 3.10❌
Bet: 1 unit at 11/1 at TicTacBets❌
Tic Tac Bets is the perfect platform for all your sports bets. We recommend registering with Tic Tac Bets, and you will receive a 100% first deposit match of up to 5000 ZAR.
How to Register
- Log onto the Tic Tac Bets site at www.TicTacBets.co.za
- Click on the Green “Join Now” Button at the top right of the page
- You need to complete the registration form that requires importance personal information and you mobile number
- An OTP code will be sent to your mobile, please enter this code and accept the terms and conditions.
- Click on the “Submit Button” to complete the registration process
- Once you finish registering, contact Tic Tac Bets to activate your sign up bonus
At Topbets, we pride ourselves on offering accurate and reliable betting predictions. Our free Telegram channel is designed to provide you with the best tips and insights to help you make informed betting decisions.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the online casino and sports betting industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including the Canadian, UK, South African, African and New Zealand markets. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Rugby, American Football, Basketball and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
