Overview
- The Premier Soccer League held and broadcast the last-16 draw live on PSL Channel (SuperSport 202) and SABC 2 on Wednesday, 14 October and published all eight fixtures.
- High-profile ties include defending champions Orlando Pirates at home to newly promoted Milford FC, Kaizer Chiefs hosting TS Galaxy, and a repeat last-16 meeting between Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants.
- Kruger United will make their Carling Knockout debut at home to AmaZulu, highlighting the cup’s role in giving lower-tier and newly promoted clubs national exposure.
- The draw used a seeded format that matched the eight top PSL teams against clubs from the bottom half of the table, a setup that increases the chance of lower-ranked upsets.
- The Carling Knockout begins on 24 October and sits ahead of the Nedbank Cup in early 2027; recent editions have produced varied winners and shocks, including Marumo Gallants eliminating Sundowns in 2025 and Orlando Pirates winning the 2025 final in extra time.