Golden Arrows and Polokwane City seek Carling Knockout revival after league defeats

Golden Arrows and Polokwane City will try to put disappointing Betway Premiership form behind them when they begin their Carling Knockout last-16 campaigns this weekend.

Both sides have endured a difficult spell and go into the cup competition after losing their most recent league matches. The knockout ties offer them an immediate opportunity to restore confidence and progress to the quarter-finals.

Golden Arrows host Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm. Polokwane City, meanwhile, welcome Siwelele to Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 6pm.

Polokwane were beaten 1-0 by Siwelele last weekend and will be seeking a response when the teams meet again in the cup. Golden Arrows also lost by a single goal in their previous match, suffering a 1-0 defeat by Milford in the KwaZulu-Natal derby.

Golden Arrows captain Ayanda Jiyane said victory was important for a team that has won only once in its past eight league games.

“The match is important for us,” he said. “Since we started this season, things have not been going the way we wanted, but we believe the way the preparations are going, we will win so we can get the confidence back when we return to league matches and we can start collecting points.

“We try as a team with all we have to bring the team back to winning ways, and it is important for us to win a trophy as players so we can have a cup to show. We need to win this game so we can get back to winning. The feeling of playing a final we all want that.”

Jiyane’s side will be aiming to use a strong cup run to change the mood around the club after their sequence of league results. A place in the next round would also give Arrows the chance to build momentum before returning to Betway Premiership action.

AmaZulu face Kruger test

AmaZulu will look to carry their impressive form into the Carling Knockout when they travel to face Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday at 3pm.

Usuthu have been among the competition’s in-form teams this season and are third in the league standings. They will hope their league performances can translate into a successful cup campaign and secure their place in the next round.

The weekend’s final tie sees Sekhukhune host Richards Bay at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday at 6pm.

Carling Knockout last 16 fixtures

Saturday: Golden Arrows v Chippa United, King Zwelithini Stadium (3pm); Polokwane City v Siwelele, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium (6pm).

Sunday: Kruger United v AmaZulu, Mbombela Stadium (3pm); Sekhukhune v Richards Bay, Peter Mokaba Stadium (6pm).