OBAKENG MELETSE
Stellenbosch reigned supreme in the inaugural Carling Knockout competition, and they now face the immediate task of keeping their championship in the Winelands.
After having had the MTN8 title slip through their fingers in a controversial 3-1 loss to Orlando Pirates, Stellies will be up against it as all 15 other teams attempt to topple them off the top step of the podium, looking to be the second club to have their names engraved on the trophy.
As the competition is set to kick off this weekend, Obakeng Meletse explores the potential key talking points.
One to watch out for
Kaizer Chiefs' dismal 2023/24 campaign continues to haunt them, as they formed part of the unseeded teams when the draw was conducted, running the risk of an early meeting with one of the top sides.
A draw against former league champions SuperSport United is set to headline the list of fixtures this weekend. After experiencing a roller-coaster season, Amakhosi will get an opportunity to take a step forward in their latest attempt to break their trophy drought against a Gavin Hunt-led team that knows how to deliver results, even when up against the wall.
Battle of the heavyweights
All of Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Stellies have flexed their muscles across various competitions over the last two seasons, and judging by the start of this season, we could be in for something similar. Nothing is guaranteed, but newcomers Magesi FC could find it hard to keep up with a well-oiled Sea Robbers machine, which is hungry for more success under mentor Jose Riveiro.
Meanwhile, Golden Arrows have made a strong start to their PSL campaign, but they may need to push a little harder against a Sundowns side that has shaken off their early MTN8 jitters to show their superiority after denting Chiefs’ confidence in their last outing in the league.
Stellies will not enjoy the comfort of their own surroundings as they travel to KZN against what will be an unpredictable Amazulu side under the new leadership of co-coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusimuzi Vilakazi. However, the visitors should still have the upper hand, especially with the impressive impact of their new signings thus far.
On paper, the three heavyweights should advance to the next round, and the expectation is for their paths to cross along the way.
Battle of the underdogs
TS Galaxy knows a thing or two about embracing an underdog tag, having been crowned champions after winning the Nedbank Cup in 2019. However, it hasn't been the best of starts for Sead Ramovic and his team this season, and this could prove to be another chance for them to claim unexpected silverware.
In contrast, Chippa United appears to have found a winning recipe, as their league form suggests, but an intense battle looms that could boil down to fine margins, even with the Rockets struggling before the match.
Elsewhere, quiet but assured Sekhukhune United will rely on their experience and consistency to gain the edge when they visit Richards Bay United. Meanwhile, Polokwane City will aim to secure bragging rights against former neighbours Marumo Gallants.
The winner of the Cape Town City and Royal AM match will ensure one of them makes the quarter-finals for the first time after both fell in the first round last season.