Sports
Carling Knockout Cup: Fixtures and Format for 2024 Draw Announced
The Carling Black Label Cup draw was conducted on Tuesday afternoon in Johannesburg, unveiling an exciting set of fixtures for the 2024 tournament. The competition is known for its interactive nature, allowing fans of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to vote for the Man of the Match and engage with their favorite players.
Reigning champions Stellenbosch FC have expressed their ambition to retain the trophy. Team goalkeeper Sage Stephens emphasized the club’s intent to keep the title in a statement issued earlier. The final of the competition is set to take place at the iconic Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The draw, which is structured to promote competitive balance, was held at The Galleria in Sandton and was broadcast live on SuperSport Channel 202 and SABC Sport. The fixtures for the Round of 16 are as follows:
- SuperSport United vs. Kaizer Chiefs
- Richards Bay FC vs. Sekhukhune United
- AmaZulu FC vs. Stellenbosch FC
- Polokwane City vs. Marumo Gallants
- Cape Town City FC vs. Royal AM
- TS Galaxy vs. Chippa United
- Orlando Pirates vs. Magesi FC
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Golden Arrows
The draw adhered to a seeded format, splitting teams based on their standings in the prior season. Clubs finishing in the top eight positions of the last league season were seeded, ensuring a mix of competition levels.
Stellenbosch FC emerged victorious in the preceding season, claiming the inaugural Carling Knockout title after a penalty shootout against TS Galaxy. This year, the Cape Winelands team aims to defend its championship, having recently reached the MTN8 final, where they were bested by Orlando Pirates.
Financial incentives include R6.85 million for the winning team, R2.85 million for the runner-up, and substantial monetary rewards allocated down to the last 16 participants. The PSL has stated that further details regarding match dates and venues will be released in due course.
