Carling Knockout Cup: KZN derby headlines the action

Richards Bay v Durban City

The uMhlathuze Sports Complex will be the stage for an all-KwaZulu-Natal showdown on Saturday (3pm) as Richards Bay host Durban City in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final - a clash loaded with intensity, pride, and local bragging rights.

Both sides enter in competitive form and will be eager to reach the semifinals, with Richards Bay looking to extend their reputation as a cup-hardened outfit and Durban City aiming to make a statement in their debut Betway Premiership campaign.

The Natal Rich Boys have made back-to-back semifinal appearances in this competition and remain one of the most tactically disciplined cup sides in the league. Under co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, Bay's resilience and structured defence have made them difficult to break down.

They earned a 4-1 win over Chippa United in the first round, with Knox Mutizwa scoring twice on debut. Despite a recent 2-1 league defeat to Orbit College, Bay's form - three wins in their last five - keeps them among the favourites.

Mutizwa's sharp start will again make him one to watch as Bay chase a third consecutive semifinal berth.

On the other side, Durban City, led by Gavin Hunt, have shown impressive growth in their return to the top flight. They too advanced with a 4-1 extra-time win over Polokwane City, showing fight and fitness under pressure.

Golden Arrows v TS Galaxy

The King Zwelithini Stadium will host another thrilling Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final on Sunday (3pm) as Golden Arrows take on TS Galaxy in what promises to be a tense and tactical encounter.

Both sides are eyeing a place in the semifinals, with Arrows looking to end a nine-match winless streak against the Rockets and Galaxy determined to continue their strong cup pedigree under Adnan Beganovic.

Arrows advanced to the quarterfinals after edging Cape Town Spurs 2-1 in the opening round, a result that reflected the steady progress made under returning head coach Manqoba Mngqithi. Since his reappointment, the Lamontville-based side have shown greater structure and discipline, recording three wins in their last five matches across all competitions.

Mngqithi's experience at the top level - including a successful spell with Mamelodi Sundowns - has brought renewed confidence to the squad, and the coach believes the team's focus must remain on performance rather than past records.

TS Galaxy reached the last eight after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Orbit College, maintaining their impressive cup record that includes a 2019 Nedbank Cup triumph and a Carling Knockout final appearance last season.

Under Beganovic, the Rockets have built a reputation for their high work rate and defensive solidity, losing only once in their last six matches in all competitions. The Bosnian coach has made it clear his side are targeting silverware this season as they continue to establish themselves as consistent top-flight contenders.

With Arrows chasing a first semifinal appearance since 2020 and Galaxy aiming to return to the final, Sunday's fixture sets up a compelling clash of experience, confidence, and tactical control.