Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will be among the teams battling for R6.85 million in this season’s Carling Knockout Cup.

The Round of 16 draw was conducted on Wednesday, with the major teams avoiding each other as the competition prepares to kick off on 24 October.

Both Pirates and Chiefs were handed home fixtures. Amakhosi will host TS Galaxy, while the Buccaneers welcome Milford FC to the Orlando Amstel Arena.

The two Soweto giants will be hoping to take advantage of playing at home as they begin their respective campaigns in the competition.

Meanwhile, defending champions and other title contenders will also be looking to progress through the knockout stages and get closer to the lucrative first prize.

Carling Knockout prize money revealed, Can Chiefs and Pirates go all the way?

The winners of the Carling Knockout Cup will pocket R6.85 million this season, while the runners-up will receive R2.85 million.

The four semifinalists are guaranteed R1.35 million each, while teams reaching the quarterfinals will earn R850,000. Clubs eliminated in the Round of 16 will receive R550,000 each.

The prize money provides an additional incentive for the 16 participating teams as they compete for one of South African football’s domestic knockout trophies.

Beyond the financial rewards, the eventual winners will also get the opportunity to face a PSL All-Star XI in the Carling Black Label Cup.

The All-Star team will comprise PSL players and DStv Diski Challenge stars selected through a fan vote, giving supporters a say in the composition of the side.

Pirates are the defending champions while Chiefs last won this trophy in 2010.

Full Carling Knockout Round of 16 Fixtures

Kruger United vs AmaZulu

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants

Golden Arrows vs Chippa United

Durban City vs Stellenbosch FC

Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC

Polokwane City vs Siwelele FC

Sekhukhune United vs Richards Bay

Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy