Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns all booked their places in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals on Tuesday night, with Wandile Duba’s hat-trick, Tshepang Moremi’s influential performance and Siyanda Ndlovu’s decisive goal providing three different stories from the Round of 16.

At FNB Stadium, Chiefs produced a commanding 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy, with Duba scoring all three goals. The striker’s treble gave Amakhosi supporters plenty to celebrate and offered the team a timely lift after their recent CAF Confederation Cup disappointment.

Chiefs had been eliminated by Zambia’s Red Arrows on penalties despite winning the second leg 1-0. Their Carling Knockout campaign therefore presented another opportunity to pursue silverware and rebuild momentum under coach Fernando da Cruz.

Duba took that opportunity in style, turning the contest in Chiefs’ favour after the break. His three goals secured progression and gave the club a boost ahead of its upcoming Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates.

Pirates also advanced with a convincing 3-0 win, defeating Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Thapelo Mokobodi scored before Moremi found the net twice, helping the defending champions keep their title defence alive.

The result was significant because Milford had arrived in Soweto in encouraging league form, sitting fourth in the Betway Premiership before the match. Pirates, meanwhile, were looking to maintain their momentum after a successful CAF Champions League campaign.

At Loftus Versfeld, Sundowns edged Marumo Gallants 1-0 through Ndlovu’s solitary strike. The victory was especially meaningful after Gallants eliminated the Brazilians from the same competition last season, winning a penalty shoot-out following a goalless draw.

Sundowns were also seeking a response to their recent CAF Champions League exit, making the domestic cup fixture an important chance to regain winning momentum.

The three results gave South Africa’s prominent clubs different reasons to celebrate. Chiefs had Duba’s remarkable treble, Pirates continued their defence of the trophy, and Sundowns overcame opponents who had ended their campaign a year earlier.

All three now advance to the quarter-finals, keeping their hopes of Carling Knockout silverware alive.

Sources:

https://x.com/lorenz_ko/status/2115155891943068033?s=46

https://x.com/mickyjnr__/status/2115155971492516083?s=46

https://x.com/a_b_ditlhobolo/status/2115157029744713772?s=46