Kruger United target Magesi’s landmark Carling Knockout run

Kruger United are hoping to match Magesi FC’s remarkable achievement by winning the Carling Knockout in their first season in the top flight.

Magesi lifted the trophy in 2024 after reaching the Betway Premiership, completing a historic run less than four months into the 2024/25 campaign.

Their route to the title included a first-round victory over Orlando Pirates at Orlando, before they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. The success made the Limpopo club the first newly promoted side in PSL history to win the League Cup competition.

Kruger United have been handed a home tie against in-form AmaZulu FC in the Last-16, and manager Elasto Kapowezha believes the draw gives his side a realistic opportunity to progress.

“It is a favourable draw, particularly because we are playing at home. We have also avoided some of the leading teams,” Kapowezha told KickOff.

“However, AmaZulu cannot be underestimated, and we believe we have a good chance against them. We are satisfied with the draw.”

Kapowezha said Magesi’s success had shown newly promoted clubs that they could compete for silverware, particularly in a knockout tournament where underdogs can play with less pressure.

“Magesi’s 2024 achievement shows all promoted teams that anything is possible,” he said. “Cup competitions generate a great deal of excitement, and smaller teams can benefit from the underdog role.”

He added that teams such as Kruger United could produce their best performances when the stakes rise, while players often had greater freedom in cup matches than in league fixtures.

“We tend to rise to the occasion,” Kapowezha said.

“Magesi will remain an example for us. As underdogs in cup competitions, our teams can play without pressure, and coaches often give players more freedom to express themselves in tournaments than in league matches.

“We hope to emulate Magesi in this season’s Carling Knockout.”