South Africa's football scene is buzzing with anticipation as the Carling Knockout Cup returns for its latest edition, promising high-stakes drama and plenty of surprises. All 16 Betway Premiership teams are set to face off in a single-legged knockout format, with the round of 16 fixtures unfolding over the weekend of October 4-5, 2025. Supporters across the nation are eager to see if the giants will reassert their dominance or if underdogs can once again script fairy-tale runs.
At the heart of this excitement lies the eagerly awaited clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants, scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 8pm at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium. For Sundowns, this fixture is more than just an opening match—it’s a chance for redemption and a critical step toward restoring faith among their famously passionate fanbase, the Yellow Nation.
Coach Miguel Cardoso, who took over the reins following last season’s shock Carling Knockout final defeat to Magesi FC, is under mounting pressure. The team’s inconsistent performances so far this season, including a missed opportunity in the MTN8 and a spate of lackluster results, have left some fans calling for changes at the top. Cardoso, however, remains steadfast in his mission. As he stated during the pre-match press conference, “My job is to find solutions, not problems!”
Cardoso didn’t shy away from addressing the reasons behind Sundowns’ recent struggles. He cited exhaustion from a congested fixture list, a preseason disrupted by the club’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign, and ongoing contractual issues as factors contributing to their uneven form. “We saw that our start was difficult given the fact that while others were preparing, we were playing,” Cardoso reflected. “We also had to change a lot in the team. But the energy that we are putting in will allow us to jump stages, and give us the approach of where we want to be as quickly as possible.”
The pressure is palpable—not just for Cardoso, but for the entire squad. The memory of last year’s Cup final defeat still stings, especially since it played a part in the dismissal of previous coach Manqoba Mngqithi. Cardoso knows the stakes: “The competition is hard, and we need to respect the competition. So, we need to be committed to the work that we do every day, and raise our level. We can’t stay where we are.”
He’s also quick to point out that this is a new era for Sundowns, with fresh faces and evolving dynamics. “It’s also important for people not to look at Sundowns the same because we are not the same. There are new players, new dynamics and new things. We can assure the fans that we’ll fight hard. We need to have the attitude.”
One of those new faces is Nuno Santos, the 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder who joined from Vitória de Guimarães in the latest transfer window. Santos has already made an impression, earning the Player-of-the-Match award in just his second appearance and first start for the club, when Sundowns thrashed Richards Bay 4-1. Wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey, Santos is seen by many as the natural successor to last season’s talisman, Lucas Ribeiro, who terminated his contract and moved to the Spanish second division.
Cardoso, however, is keen to manage expectations. “Nuno is not Lucas’ substitution,” he clarified. “No one in the club looks for replacements of players who are not there. We look for players who’ll help the team, and that’s completely different. We look at the profile of the players that we need in each position to make us stronger in the future. We then went for targets, and I think it was a job that was done very well. We brought in players that will help us.”
The Carling Knockout Cup itself carries a rich tradition, having been contested under various names over the years—the Telkom Knockout, Coca-Cola Cup, Rothmans Cup, and more. After a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament returned in the 2023-24 season with Carling Black Label as title sponsor. Its format is unforgiving: single-leg knockout matches, with extra time and penalties deciding any ties. There’s no room for error, and every fixture is a potential banana skin for the favorites.
Elsewhere in the round of 16, defending champions Magesi FC travel to face Amazulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, hoping to replicate last season’s heroics. Stellenbosch FC, who lifted the trophy in the 2023 edition by beating TS Galaxy on penalties, host Kaizer Chiefs at DHL Stadium in a tie that promises fireworks. Chiefs, fresh off ending a decade-long trophy drought with their Nedbank Cup triumph, will be looking to maintain momentum under new management.
Orlando Pirates, another of the country’s traditional powerhouses, welcome Siwelele FC to Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Buccaneers, now under the guidance of Abdeslam Ouaddou, are riding high after clinching the MTN8 this season, but Siwelele—despite off-field turbulence—are eager to cause an upset. The likes of Durban City, Orbit College, and Golden Arrows also hope to make their mark and perhaps spring a surprise or two.
For Sundowns, the path to glory is clear but fraught with challenges. The club’s standards are sky-high, having captured the last eight Premiership titles, but their last Carling Knockout Cup triumph dates back to 2021. The Yellow Nation demands silverware, and Cardoso’s men will have to be at their very best to deliver it. Their opening-round opponents, Marumo Gallants, are no pushovers. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw just weeks ago, a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted.
Cardoso’s squad features a blend of experience and new talent. Key players like Khuliso Mudau, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Thapelo Maseko, and Peter Shalulile remain central to the team’s ambitions, while new signings such as Miguel Reisinho and Tsiki Ntsabeleng (on loan from Dallas FC) add depth and versatility. Mudau, in particular, is expected to play a pivotal role at right-back as Sundowns look to shore up their defense and launch quick transitions.
With the action set to be broadcast live on SuperSport, fans across South Africa and beyond will be glued to their screens, eager to see which teams will seize the moment and advance to the quarterfinals. Will Sundowns’ new-look squad rise to the occasion and kick-start a cup run that could define their season? Or will Marumo Gallants, emboldened by recent results, spoil the party in Pretoria?
As kickoff approaches, one thing’s for sure: the Carling Knockout Cup never fails to deliver drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. For Cardoso and Sundowns, Saturday night’s clash is an opportunity to silence the doubters and rekindle their romance with the Yellow Nation. The stage is set, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the journey to cup glory begins now.
