The thrilling chaos of the Carling Knockout Cup is officially upon us! The stage is set following the high-stakes Round of 16 draw hosted in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.

TS Galaxy, who were left licking their wounds after a heavy 3-0 league defeat to Orlando Pirates, got their prayer answered by dodging Ezimnyama — only to jump straight out of the frying pan and into the fire after being drawn against another Soweto giant, Kaizer Chiefs!

• Carling Knockout Round of 16 Full Draw:
• Kruger United vs AmaZulu FC
• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants
• Golden Arrows vs Chippa United
• Durban City vs Stellenbosch FC
• Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC
• Polokwane City vs Siwelele FC
• Sekhukhune United vs Richards Bay FC
• Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy

“We Will Defend Our Title”: Coaches React to Cup Fixtures

Defending champions Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made it clear that his side will not take underdog opponents Milford FC lightly despite their division status.

“We are going to take it seriously. Milford are a good team, we played them and we know it will be difficult. We have many games, but we will be sure to try and defend our title,” stated Ouaddou.

On the other side of the tie, Milford FC representative Xhanti Pupuma insisted the pressure is entirely off his side as they prepare for a giant-killing spectacle:

“It is a different game when it is a cup game. We have no pressure, everything is exciting, everything is new for us. Hopefully we can show what we can do. We will give them a run for their money.”

Meanwhile, Marumo Gallants coach Ronnie Kanalelo welcomed the daunting challenge of taking on domestic powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns.

“We live for these types of games, to play against the best. That is where you measure your strength. We have had a good four weeks of preparation and it has been good. Last season we missed it in the final. We work for these moments and we want to get the best out of it.”

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