Football fanatics in Limpopo are in for an exciting weekend as Polokwane prepares to host two of the Carling Knockout Cup’s last-16 matches, with four teams battling for places in the quarter-finals.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed the dates, venues and kick-off times for the last-16 fixtures, which will run from Saturday, October 24, to Wednesday, October 28.
The action gets underway on Saturday, October 24, when Polokwane City welcome Siwelele FC to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 6pm.
Both teams will be eager to secure a positive result and advance to the quarter-finals of the competition. Playing in front of their supporters, Polokwane City will be hoping to use home-ground advantage to overcome their opponents.
Earlier on Saturday, Lamontville Golden Arrows will host Chippa United at the King Zwelithini Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
The competition continues on Sunday, October 25, when Kruger United entertain AmaZulu FC at the Mbombela Stadium in a 3pm encounter.
Attention will then shift to Polokwane, where Sekhukhune United welcome Richards Bay FC to the New Peter Mokaba Stadium at 6pm.
The venue previously hosted the Carling Knockout Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants last season, adding further significance to Sekhukhune United’s home fixture.
The two Polokwane matches are expected to attract football supporters from across Limpopo, with the province’s football community looking forward to watching some of the country’s top-flight teams compete for knockout honours.
The last-16 action will continue on Tuesday, October 27, when the defending champions, Orlando Pirates, begin their title defence against newcomers Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7pm.
Pirates will be aiming to maintain their grip on the trophy, but Milford will be determined to cause an upset and eliminate the reigning champions.
Also on Tuesday, Mamelodi Sundowns will host last season’s runners-up, Marumo Gallants, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 7pm.
Sundowns will be looking to progress to the next round, while Gallants will hope to reproduce the form that took them to last season’s final.
Kaizer Chiefs will complete Tuesday’s programme when they entertain TS Galaxy at the FNB Stadium, with kick-off also set for 7pm.
The final last-16 encounter will take place on Wednesday, October 28, when Durban City host Stellenbosch FC at the Chatsworth Stadium at 7pm.
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, all 16 teams will be looking to deliver strong performances as the race for the Carling Knockout Cup title gathers momentum.