Mamelodi Sundowns Ignored As Pundit Named Carling Knockout Favourites This Season

• The Carling Knockout Cup is the next focus for the top teams in the Premier Soccer League this season, with Magesi FC also hoping to defend their title
• Kaizer Chiefs are set to face Stellenbosch FC, while Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will battle for a place in the next round, facing Siwele FC and Marumo Gallants, respectively
• A sports analyst has shared his thoughts on the favourite teams to win the competition, and explained why he left out last year's finalist, Sundowns

The 2025-26 Carling Knockout Cup has kicked off, with most of the first-round games taking place this weekend.

Magesi FC is the defending champion of the competition after beating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final last season.

The Black Crocodiles have been struggling with their form in the Betway Premiership, but they hope to retain the title for another year.

A sports journalist has shared his thoughts about the competition while also naming his favourites to win the tournament this season.

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Favourites to win the Carling Knockout Cup

Sports journalist Uche Anuma chatted with Briefly News to discuss the Carling Knockout competition and the upcoming games this weekend, including Kaizer Chiefs' clash against Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates' match against Siwele FC.

"It is going to be a completely different tournament compared to last season, when Magesi FC won the competition to the surprise of many, including me," he said.

"I think big teams will take the competition more seriously than last season, and the first round is already coming with several top games, including the mouthwatering tie between Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC.

"I think Magesi FC will find it hard to defend their title this year, but there are still some teams that can cause an upset for the other big sides."

Anuma also named his favourites to win, while excluding last year's finalists, Mamelodi Sundowns and Magesi FC, from his list.

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"I think the favourites for this year's Carling Knockout are Orlando Pirates and the winner between Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC," he added.

"Pirates are well-grounded in cup games, a reputation they have built over the last four seasons, and they are my top favourites.

"If either Kaizer Chiefs or Stellenbosch doesn't face Pirates before the final, I expect them to pose a threat to the Sea Robbers' chances of winning the competition.

"I am still sceptical about Sundowns when it comes to cup competitions. Recently, they've been more focused on the league and the CAF Champions League than on other tournaments."

Mamelodi Sundowns will be facing Marumo Gallants in the first round at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Bafana Bafana star leaves Mamelodi Sundowns

Briefly News also reported that a Bafana Bafana midfielder had left Sundowns for another PSL side before the transfer window closed.

The South African international's transfer came as a surprise to some of the club fans, and they made their intentions known about his departure on social media.

Source: Briefly News