MAKE no mistake, the adrenaline is probably still pumping for Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns after their weekend hit-outs in African competition.

Yes, Amakhosi and the Brazilians endured really tough results as they were dumped out of continental competition. But this does not mean their skills or their drive have been blunted.

As for the Buccaneers, they will be keen to kick on after securing their place in the CAF Champions League group stage with an emphatic aggregate victory over Namibia’s African Stars.

The question now is whether their Carling Knockout opponents can take advantage of the contrasting fortunes of South Africa’s big three.

Sundowns host Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria at the same time. Gallants knocked the Brazilians out of last season’s Carling Knockout at the same stage, winning on penalties after a goalless draw. 

Sundowns will be eager to avoid a repeat and put their continental exit behind them.

Defending champions Pirates welcome Milford FC to Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, also at 7pm on Tuesday. The newcomers will relish the opportunity to test themselves against the cup holders, who will be determined to keep their title defence on track.

The final last-16 fixture takes place on Wednesday, October 28, when Durban City host Stellenbosch FC at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban. Kick-off is at 7pm, with both sides eager to cement a place in the quarter-finals.

Golden Arrows delivered the most emphatic result, thrashing Chippa United 4–0 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday. Siyanda Dion and Sabelo Sithole scored in the first half, before Nhlanhla Zwane and Keenan Karelse added second-half goals to complete a convincing win.

Siwelele FC also progressed on Saturday after a goalless draw with Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Siwelele held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out, winning 4–3 to book their place in the last eight.

Sunday’s action saw AmaZulu edge Kruger United 1–0 at Mbombela Stadium. Substitute Hendrick Ekstein converted a penalty in the 78th minute to settle a tight contest and send Usuthu through.

Sekhukhune United completed the weekend’s programme with a 3–1 victory over Richards Bay at New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Chibuike Ohizu opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, and Thabang Makubo doubled the lead in the 83rd. 

Nqaba Xulu pulled one back for Richards Bay a minute later, but Bethuel Muzeu restored Sekhukhune’s two-goal cushion in the 88th minute.

Golden Arrows, Siwelele, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune are therefore through to the quarter-finals, with four places still available.

All eyes now turn to Tuesday night, when the big three begin their cup campaigns, before Durban City and Stellenbosch bring the last-16 round to a close on Wednesday.