The Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final draw has set up four exciting fixtures, with Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns avoiding one another as they pursue a place in the semi-finals.

The seeded draw ensured that the three Gauteng giants would not face each other at this stage, keeping the possibility of blockbuster encounters alive in the next round.

The quarter-final fixtures are:

Stellenbosch FC vs AmaZulu FC

Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United

Kaizer Chiefs vs Siwelele FC

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Golden Arrows

Sekhukhune United will take on defending champions Orlando Pirates, who won their last match convincingly by a score of 3-0 against Milford FC. The Pirates' coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, allegedly wasn't happy with his team's performance, indicating that they still have room to grow as the battle heats up.

Following Wandile Duba's morale-boosting performance, in which he stopped Amakhosi's five-match winless skid with a hat trick against TS Galaxy, Kaizer Chiefs will host Siwelele FC. As his team aims to advance in the tournament, Coach Fernando Da Cruz will be hoping this outcome signifies a turning point.

Mandla Ncikazi, who was the co-coach of Orlando Pirates before going back to Abafana Bes'thende, is currently coaching Golden Arrows, and Mamelodi Sundowns are in their path. Sundowns advanced to the quarterfinals after to coach Miguel Cardoso's team's 1-0 victory against Marumo Gallants.

In the meantime, Arthur Zwane's AmaZulu FC team is having a great run in the league, which will be a tough test for Stellenbosch FC, the 2023 Carling Knockout winners.

With all four teams within striking distance of a championship match, the four matches should provide an interesting blend of long-time favourites and up-and-coming competitors.

With the top three teams keeping their quarterfinal matches, fans may be treated to high-profile semi-final matchups if Pirates, Chiefs, and Sundowns all win.

Who will take advantage of this chance to go closer to winning the Carling Knockout trophy? That is the major issue.

Source;https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2115522263533441497