Lamontville Golden Arrows will host Chippa United in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup. The draw sets up a home fixture for the Durban-based side as they aim to advance in the competition, seeking a positive result amid a difficult league run of no wins, two draws and two losses in their last four matches.
The Premier Soccer League launched the fourth edition of the tournament on Wednesday. This year's competition, sponsored by Carling Black Label, introduces a new fan engagement initiative called the Champion Coach Experience. Supporters can predict starting line-ups using codes from promotional packs, with accurate forecasts winning instant prizes and climbing a leaderboard.
Kerryn Greanleaf, the Carling Black Label brand director, said the initiative gives fans a greater voice. "Every fixture creates another opportunity for our champion fans to make their voice count," Greanleaf said. "This is their game, their call." Fans can also vote for the Champion of the Match during each game, with one supporter standing to win R10,000 for correctly predicting the winner.
Other last 16 fixtures
Other ties in the round include Kruger United against AmaZulu FC, Mamelodi Sundowns versus Marumo Gallants, and Orlando Pirates taking on Milford FC, the side that beat Golden Arrows last time out. Chippa United, known as the Chilli Boys, were eliminated at this same stage last season, losing 4-1 to Richards Bay.
The cup tie arrives as Golden Arrows look to respond to a 1-0 home defeat to Milford FC on 17 October, a match decided by a 71st minute goal from Siphosethu Ndlabi. That result left the club eighth in the Premier Soccer League with eight points from eight matches, having recorded just one win, five draws and two losses this season. Their league campaign has seen them score only three goals while conceding four, leaving them with a minus one goal difference and a significant 15 points behind the leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Their next league assignment is a trip to third-placed Amazulu on 31 October, a fixture that forms part of a challenging schedule.
Golden Arrows are based in Lamontville, Durban. The exact date and kickoff time for the cup match against Chippa United are yet to be confirmed by the league.
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