Sekhukhune United will host Richards Bay FC in the Carling Knockout Cup last 16 this Sunday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm local time. The Premier Soccer League confirmed the full fixture list for the knockout competition's third season, with the last 16 round running from Saturday to Wednesday.
The draw sets up a repeat of a recent league encounter from last month. Sekhukhune United edged a five-goal thriller away to Richards Bay on 19 September, winning 3-2 with goals from Tshepo Mokoane, Ndongani Samba Gilbani O’Neil and a late winner from Ngoanamello Rammala.
The financial rewards for progressing in the tournament are significant. The eventual champions will collect R6.85 million, while the runners-up will receive R2.85 million. An additional incentive of R100,000 is awarded for the Man of the Match in each game.
They are on a two-game winning run, most recently defeating Marumo Gallants 2-1 last Friday with goals from Oageng Phiri and a stoppage-time winner from Bethuel Muzeu, who was assisted by D'Angelo Shaheed Kazeem. Their league campaign has seen them score nine goals while conceding eight, giving them a positive goal difference. Their recent form over the last three league games reads two wins and a draw, following the victory over Marumo Gallants, the 3-2 win at Richards Bay, and a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch on 11 September.
The cup provides a welcome alternative focus as they look to build momentum ahead of a tough league trip to fourth-placed Milford FC on 1 November. Their next competitive fixture after the cup is that away match against Milford FC. In the broader league title race, Sekhukhune United currently trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by nine points. The club's top scorer this season is Ngoanamello Rammala, who has netted two goals in seven appearances.
In other last 16 fixtures, defending champions Orlando Pirates begin their title defence at home to Milford FC on Tuesday, while Mamelodi Sundowns host Marumo Gallants and Kaizer Chiefs take on TS Galaxy on the same night. Sekhukhune United's fixture is the second of two matches scheduled for Sunday, following Kruger United versus AmaZulu FC in the afternoon.
