The round of 16 draw took place on Wednesday night and features all 16 teams from the Betway Premiership.
The Buccaneers won the 2025 edition of the competition, beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the final, with Relebohile Mofokeng scoring the game's only goal in extra-time.
Ouaddou's charges defeated top-flight newbies Milford 2-0 in their league clash back in August, but more recently lost 2-0 in the final of the MTN8 to Mamelodi Sundowns and will be eager to start their next cup run with a positive result.
"Look, before I speak about defending the title, I would like to thank the organisers (of the Carling Knockout). It's always a pleasure and a fantastic competition to play," said Ouaddou in the Citizen.
"I really like the innovation of creating the bridge between fans and the clubs. I think it's really a good idea. About the game, I think the advantage and the positive is to play at home."
"Playing in front of our fans is an advantage, but it will be a difficult game. If you remember when we played Milford in the first game of the season, I said that not many teams are going to beat them," added the head coach.
“I think they have a lot of confidence. It's a well-coached team, disciplined and well organised, and they can run as well. So, it will not be an easy game."
Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt believes his side can challenge for the Carling Knockout Cup despite their inconsistent start to the Betway Premiership season, pointing to the competition's history of producing unexpected winners.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Deon Hotto's professionalism and longevity make him a role model for young footballers.
TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi has revealed that Kaizer Chiefs marketing and commercial director Jessica Motaung contacted him after the Rockets published a social media post poking fun at AmaKhosi following the Carling Knockout last-16 draw.
Siwelele FC and Marumo Gallants are targeting their first victories of the 2026/27 season when they face Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United this weekend.
