Big Game Preview: Carling Knockout Semifinals

The four teams have meandered their way through the tricky maze of Last 16 and quarter-final ties, and they are the last four standing among all top-flight teams. On Saturday, Richards Bay hosts Orlando Pirates, looking to eliminate them from the same competition once again. And then on Sunday, Golden Arrows welcome Marumo Gallants, aiming for their first major final in six years. We preview the semi-final action.

Semi-final 1: Richards Bay v Orlando Pirates

Richards Bay’s best finish in the competition: semi-finalists in 2023 & 2024

Orlando Pirates’ best finish in the competition: Winners in 2011

On paper, this looks like a regulation win for Pirates. They sit 2nd on the league table, nine points clear of Richards Bay in 11th, and are one of the favourites for the league title. They have also won each of their last three games against the Rich Boys of Natal, but there is another piece of history that favours the hosts. It was exactly two years ago to the week that Richards Bay knocked Pirates out of this competition at the quarter-final stage via penalties. Will history repeat itself?

In the blue corner stands Richards Bay, who will be looking to make it third time lucky at this stage. They are the only team to reach the semi-final stage of the Carling Knockout in each of the last three seasons. In 2023, they were blown away 3-0 by eventual winners Stellenbosch in the semi-finals. A year later, they were edged out 1-0, also by eventual winners Magesi at the same stage. If you’re being generous with definitions, 3-0 to 1-0 is an improvement. But losing semi-finals by smaller margins is cold comfort when the outcome remains the same: elimination at the semi-final hurdle.

5/7 – Pirates have progressed to the final in five of the seven editions when they played the semi-final away from home.

Team to progress: Orlando Pirates

Value bet: Under 2.5 goals

Golden Arrows v Marumo Gallants

Arrows’ Best finish: Semi-finalists 3x (2003, 2011, 2019)

Marumo Best Finish: Semi-finalists (2024)

If the quarter-finals are anything to go by, Marumo Gallants’ 4-0 defeat of Stellenbosch was a massive statement of intent. Like Richards Bay, Marumo Gallants are familiar with this stage – they lost to Sundowns in last year’s semis. So, rectifying that will be top of the agenda in their dressing room. However, their away form hasn’t been good so far this season. This will be their 10th game away from home in all competitions, and they have won just one of the previous nine (D3 L5).

Their hosts carry their own burden: Arrows have made three semi-final appearances in this competition before, and the result has been the same each time: three eliminations. Semi-final heartbreak goes back a few generations for this club, from 2003 to 2011, all the way to 2019. However, if they need any confidence or reminder of their quality, last week’s 4-0 demolition of this same opponent should provide it.

10 – This will be the 10th meeting between Arrows & Marumo Gallants post-pandemic, with Arrows unbeaten in all nine past meetings (W6 D3)

Team to progress: Golden Arrows

Value bet: Both teams to score