Cheers to the underdogs! The Carling Knockout Cup is their chance to shoot their shot

The Carling Knockout Cup returns to the Premier Soccer League calendar with its newfound reputation for giving smaller teams within the Premiership a realistic shot at silverware.

This reputation is well deserved, thanks to the recent triumphs of Stellenbosch FC and Magesi FC. Stellenbosch, though a club on the rise, claimed their first major top-flight trophy by winning the inaugural Carling Knockout in 2023.

Stellenbosch, coached by Steve Barker, were from then on a club on the rise as they went on to register the “Beer Cup” as their first top-flight silverware – what a way to open their trophy account, after all, they are from the Winelands.

They defeated TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final. This victory was a significant milestone for the Capetonians and they capitalised on this success to later qualify for their first-ever continental football appearance.

For Magesi FC, coached by Durbanite Clinton Larsen at the time, their 2024 victory was a different and even more spectacular story. As a newly promoted team in their first season in the Premiership, they were struggling in the league and were deep in the relegation zone.

However, they had a remarkable cup run, starting with a 3-2 first-round win over Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. Their fairytale journey culminated in a stunning 2-1 victory over perennial league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the final.

While Magesi's league struggles continued after their cup triumph, they ultimately survived relegation as the likes of Royal AM and Cape Town City faced expulsion and the chop likewise.

But what remained off the Carling KOC – South Africa’s League Cup with all 16 top-flight teams taking part – is some realisation that maybe smaller teams do actually have a better shot at winning it.

Their chances are maybe even much better with this cup than compared to the Nedbank Cup, which has for long been dubbed a Cup of Dreams, but up to this date only one small club has won it – TS Galaxy in 2019.

The Carling Knockout has already demonstrated that it is a viable target for teams that are not part of the traditional “Big Three.” This could be attributed to several factors, including the timing of the tournament in the season.

At this stage of the season the “big teams” are balancing domestic cup matches with continental duties and the ongoing league title race, which can strain their squads and provide an opening for minor teams to capitalise.

This season, the situation could be further complicated for big-club players who are also part of the national teams, as they prepare for the crucial and final step of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

As the Carling Knockout kicks off this season, teams like new boys Orbit College, Durban City, and Siwelele FC will undoubtedly fancy their chances of continuing the trend that this cup is for the Premiership's “minnows.”

Other clubs to watch out for include Marumo Gallants, TS Galaxy, and early Betway Premiership pace-setters Sekhukhune United.

Whatever the reason(s) why bigger clubs choke at the “Beer Cup,” smaller teams will be hoping it lingers on for their own benefit.