TIPSTER'S TABLE: Stellies tipped to topple Kaizer Chiefs in Carling KnockOut Cup clash

Durban City FC is set to make its debut in the 2025 Carling Knockout against Polokwane City. With both teams showing strong performances in the league, this match promises to be an exciting showdown at Chatsworth Stadium.

But more interesting is the take of many that Kaizer Chiefs will be for the taking down at the Danie Craven Stadium as they go after Stellenbosch FC, whom they are used to getting their way with.

Below are the betting tips from the top IOL football scribes.

AmaZulu v Magesi FC

AmaZulu have had a relatively decent start to the season under coach Arthur Zwane. They’ve won three games, drawn three and lost two in the Betway Premiership.

With the league a marathon, they’ll want to find immediate joy in the Carling Knockout. And there'd be no better way to start this endeavour than eliminating Magesi on home soil.

Magesi will head into the clash as underdogs, despite being the champions. They are languishing at the foot of the table, following a poor start — one win, three draws and five losses under coach John Maduka — to the season.

Betting Odds: AmaZulu 1.83 | Draw 3.20 | Magesi 4.10

Prediction: AmaZulu 2 Magesi 1

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Stellenbosch v Kaizer Chiefs

Stellies were the first team to win the ‘beer cup’ three seasons ago. As a result, they’ll want to reclaim their crown after relinquishing it to Magesi last season.

A good start to the tournament will also augur well for Stellies, given their sluggish start to the season with one win, three draws and five losses. But coach Steve Barker will know that they’ll undermine Chiefs at their own peril.

Chiefs have blown hot and cold since the start. But they seem to get away with a win or three points whenever the two teams meet. They beat Stellies 2-0 in the first game of the league away.

Betting Odds: Stellenbosch 4.20 | Draw 3.25 | Kaizer Chiefs 1.82

Prediction: Stellenbosch 0 Kaizer Chiefs 2

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Durban City FC vs Polokwane City

Making their debut in the tournament, Durban City FC will kick off the2025 Carling Knockout on Friday, October 3, against Polokwane City atChatsworth Stadium. City have good form in the league and showedcharacter as they came from a goal down to secure a 3-1 home victoryover Magesi FC.

Polokwane have also made waves in the league afterdefeating second-placed Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the Limpopo Derby. Both teams have 15 points after nine games, and Friday's clash promises a close-fought battle. City may enjoy the edge because of home advantage.

Betting odds: Durban City 2.10 | Draw 3.00 | Polokwane City 3.45

Prediction: Durban City 2 Polokwane City 1

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Orlando Pirates vs Siwelele FC

Orlando Pirates are enjoying a rich vein of form in the league, andthey enjoyed a midweek 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium.With this win, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has guided Pirates to a clubrecord of seven successive wins in all competitions.

At this rate, Pirates look unstoppable on Saturday, when they host Siwelele FC, whosnapped a seven-match winless streak in their last match with a 1-0win over Marumo Gallants, 1-0 in the Bloemfontein Derby. Siwelele(12th on the log) enjoy a more extended recovery period ahead ofSaturday's game. Still, they don't have the firepower to stop host Pirates (3rd) from advancing to the next round of the CarlingKnockout.

Betting odds: Orlando Pirates 1:54 | Draw 3.20 | Siwelele FC 6.20

Prediction: Orlando Pirates 3 Siwelele FC 0

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Orbit College FC versus TS Galaxy

Orbit College host TS Galaxy at Olympia Park Stadium (Rustenburg) onSaturday. In their last match, Orbit were handed a 3-0 hiding byin-form Golden Arrows. Galaxy also enters Saturday's game on the backof a 2-0 defeat at Pirates. However, Galaxy were not outplayed, andahead of this game, they were on a five-game unbeaten run in theleague.

Despite home ground advantage, the odds are stacked againstOrbit in this Carling Knockout round of 16 clash. Two weeks ago, Orbitscored a shock win over Polokwane City, and if they can recover thatform, they are in with a chance to surprise Galaxy. However, Galaxyhave been improving steadily this season.

Betting odds: Orbit College FC 4.10 | Draw 3.20 | TS Galaxy 1.83

Prediction: Orbit College FC 1 TS Galaxy 2

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Golden Arrows vs Sekhukhune United 

Golden Arrows will renew their rivalry with Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday. The two sides last met a fortnight ago in the league, where Abafana Bes’thende were denied a point by a stoppage-time header from Bradley Grobler, leaving them empty-handed when a draw had seemed likely.

Since then, Arrows have found encouraging form and will be eager to carry that momentum into the cup tie. They appear well placed to capitalise on a Babina Noko side heading into the clash wounded by their first league defeat of the season, a 2-1 loss to Polokwane City.

Betting odds: Golden Arrows win    2.60  I  Draw  3.10   I Sekhukhune United win  2.60

Prediction: A 1-1 draw in normal time

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Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants 

This clash mirrors last season’s semi-final, where Sundowns secured a 2-0 victory to book their spot in the final against Magesi FC. The two sides have already crossed paths this season, with Gallants holding the Brazilians to a 1-1 draw at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Now set for the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Sundowns remain overwhelming favourites to progress, making it a daunting task for Siwelele sa Marumo to replicate their league resilience, particularly away from home. Sundowns have had an up and down season but with the quality in their ranks, they should get over the line quite comfortably.

Betting odds: Mamelodi Sundowns win  1.44   I   Draw   4.00   I   Marumo Gallants win 6.60

Prediction: Sundowns to win 3-0

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Richards Bay FC vs Chippa United 

Richards Bay head into their round of 16 clash at the Richards Bay Stadium with confidence, facing the same Chippa United side they beat 1-0 to spark their turnaround after a nightmare start of four consecutive defeats in all competitions. Since that victory, the Natal Rich Boys have looked far steadier and will be eager to build on that momentum.

Chippa, however, come into the tie with renewed belief under new coach Luc Eymael, who has injected some direction despite their position at the foot of the log. Still, cup football brings its own pressures, and home advantage will offer no certainty.

Betting odds: Richards Bay FC win 1.96  I  Draw    3.15  I  Chippa United win 3.65

Prediction: Richards Bay to win 1-0