Luthando Vena of Stellenbosch FC is challenged by Athini Maqokolo of AmaZulu during the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final at Danie Craven Stadium, where the Capetonians are likely to host Orlando Pirates in the semi-final.

Image: BackpagePix

The Carling Knockout Cup semi-final draw has delivered two blockbuster encounters, with Mamelodi Sundowns set to face Kaizer Chiefs in Pretoria and Stellenbosch FC drawn against Orlando Pirates. in the Western Cape.

The fixtures leave four of South African football’s biggest clubs just one victory away from the final, setting up an exciting battle for a place in the showpiece.

Sundowns and Chiefs will renew their rivalry in a meeting that promises plenty of attention. The Brazilians will be keen to respond after their 3-1 defeat to USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup, while also keeping their domestic cup ambitions alive.

Chiefs, meanwhile, booked their place in the last four with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Siwelele FC.

The #CarlingKnockoutCup semi-final draw is complete ✅ https://t.co/TNbEsL5hbN

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) November 8, 2026

Amakhosi had to come from behind after conceding early, with Wandile Duba converting a penalty on the stroke of half-time before substitute Asanele Velebayi struck the winner in the 84th minute.

The result will give Chiefs confidence heading into a difficult assignment against a Sundowns side determined to return to winning ways.

In the other semi-final, Pirates will meet Stellenbosch in what could be a stern test for the defending champions.

The Buccaneers secured their place with a narrow 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United, teenage forward Mpho Padime scoring the decisive goal at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Pirates will be looking to keep their title defence on track, but Stellenbosch have the quality and organisation to make the tie challenging. 

The Cape Winelands outfit will see the semi-final as an opportunity to reach another major cup final and upset one of the competition’s favourites.

With Sundowns, Chiefs, Pirates and Stellenbosch making up the final four, the draw has guaranteed two high-profile clashes.

All four sides will now turn their attention to preparations, knowing that one strong performance could take them within touching distance of Carling Knockout silverware this season.