Carling Knockout 2026: Last 16 Fixtures, Dates, Final and Past Winners
Last 16 Draw
The draw was made in Johannesburg on 14 October 2026. The eight seeded teams, who finished first to eighth in the 2025/26 league, play at home.
| Home team | Away team |
|---|---|
| Kruger United | AmaZulu |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | Marumo Gallants |
| Golden Arrows | Chippa United |
| Durban City | Stellenbosch |
| Orlando Pirates | Milford |
| Polokwane City | Siwelele |
| Sekhukhune United | Richards Bay |
| Kaizer Chiefs | TS Galaxy |
The big three, Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns, avoided each other in this round. Exact dates, venues and kick-off times for each tie are confirmed by the PSL closer to the games.
Key Dates
| Stage | When |
|---|---|
| Last 16 | From the weekend of 24 October 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | November 2026 |
| Semi-finals | November 2026 |
| Final | By 9 December 2026, according to the PSL season calendar |
How the Carling Knockout Works
- Only the 16 PSL Premiership teams take part.
- Every round is one match. There are no second legs.
- If the score is level after 90 minutes, the match goes to extra time and then penalties, so there is always a winner on the day.
- The competition goes back to 1982, when it started as the Datsun Challenge. It has had its current name since 2023.
Prize Money
These were the advertised prize amounts for the 2025 edition. The 2026 figures may be different.
| Stage reached | Prize (2025) |
|---|---|
| Winner | R6.85 million |
| Runner-up | R2.85 million |
| Semi-finalists | R1.35 million each |
| Quarter-finalists | R850,000 each |
| Last 16 | R550,000 each |
Past Winners
| Year | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Orlando Pirates | 1-0 | Marumo Gallants |
| 2024 | Magesi | 2-1 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2023 | Stellenbosch | 1-1 (5-4 on penalties) | TS Galaxy |
In the 2025 final, played in Polokwane, Relebohile Mofokeng scored the winner for Pirates in extra time. Mofokeng has since moved to Belgium.
Kaizer Chiefs have won this league cup the most times, with 13 titles under its earlier names, most recently in 2010.
Where to Watch
The Carling Knockout is shown on SuperSport on DStv. Check SABC Sport for any matches shown free on SABC.
Carling Knockout Questions
When does the Carling Knockout 2026 start?
The last 16 starts from the weekend of 24 October 2026.
When is the Carling Knockout final?
The PSL calendar has the competition ending by 9 December 2026.
Who are Kaizer Chiefs playing in the Carling Knockout?
TS Galaxy, at home, in the last 16.
Who won the Carling Knockout in 2025?
Orlando Pirates, who beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the final.
How much does the Carling Knockout winner get?
In 2025 the advertised winner’s prize was R6.85 million. The 2026 amount may be different.
How many teams play in the Carling Knockout?
16, all from the PSL Premiership.
More: PSL 2026/27 season guide, Soweto Derby and all sport news.