Carling Knockout quarter-finals provide contenders for Team of the Week

Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC all secured places in the Carling Knockout semi-finals after a weekend of closely contested quarter-finals.

Pirates edged past Sekhukhune United 1-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon, with Mpho Padime scoring the only goal of the game.

The result marked a fourth meeting between the teams this season, following their two-legged MTN8 semi-final and a league fixture. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side have now won all four encounters.

Pirates will be pleased to have reached the last four, although Ouaddou was frustrated by the number of opportunities his team failed to convert. Sekhukhune also came close to scoring and could have taken the match beyond regulation time.

The contest lacked the intensity and quality of the previous three games between the teams, with fewer chances created. Ouaddou made several changes to his starting line-up and handed opportunities to a number of young players, which contributed to Pirates lacking their usual fluency.

Padime took his opportunity and will hope his performance leads to further appearances.

Chiefs recover to beat Siwelele

Kaizer Chiefs had to come from behind to beat Siwelele FC and reach the next round after a 2-1 victory at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday evening.

Siwelele began aggressively and tested Brandon Petersen before taking the lead in the 11th minute. Manelisi Mazibuko delivered a deep corner and Siyabonga Ndebele was left unmarked inside the Chiefs penalty area to head past Petersen.

Chiefs were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute after Mfundo Vilakazi was fouled, but Mduduzi Shabalala sent his effort high over the crossbar.

The hosts were given another spot-kick 10 minutes later when Shabalala was fouled. Wandile Duba made no mistake, beating Jody February to level the match shortly before half-time.

The second half produced few clear chances until a misplaced Siwelele pass allowed substitute Flavio Da Silva to create the winning goal. He found fellow substitute Asanele Velebayi, who scored in the 83rd minute to complete the comeback for the Naturena-based club.

Stellenbosch leave it late

Stellenbosch FC defeated in-form AmaZulu FC 2-1 at Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday evening and will now look to carry that momentum into their league campaign.

Chumani Butsaka opened the scoring in the 27th minute, meeting Raoul Daniels’ cross with a first-time finish. AmaZulu responded eight minutes later when Mlondi Mbanjwa broke through the Stellenbosch defence to equalise.

The match appeared destined for extra time until Sinoxolo Kwayiba rounded advancing goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela and shot towards goal. Taariq Fielies blocked the effort, but was judged to have extended his arm while defending, resulting in a late penalty.

Kwayiba converted calmly, sending Mzimela the wrong way.

Stellenbosch will host Pirates in the semi-finals, while Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat Golden Arrows 1-0 in the quarter-finals on Tuesday night, will host Chiefs. The dates and venues have not yet been confirmed.

With the quarter-finals completed, choose your Team of the Week and compare it with the official Soccer Laduma selection.