Here is a quick guide to the semifinal matches, which are scheduled to be played on November 8.
Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates
Pirates have been to nine finals in the Carling Knockout previously and won only once, defeating Bidvest Wits 3-1 in 2011. Since then, they have lost to both Platinum Stars and Baroka FC in the decider, games they would have expected to win.
But maybe this year will be different, though first they must overcome a tricky Richards Bay in the last four, a team that are no pushovers on their own patch.
They have lost just two of their last 15 home matches (W9 D4) in all competitions, though one of those was a surprise 2-1 reversal at home to Orbit College earlier this month. Richards Bay and Pirates have met on eight previous occasions, with the Buccaneers leading the head-to-head 4-1, with three draws.
They have won three of their five visits to KZN (D2). Richards Bay did beat them on penalties in a Carling Knockout quarterfinal in 2023 following a 0-0 draw. Richards Bay have scored just a single goal at home against Pirates in their five meetings, which came last time out when Pirates won a Nedbank Cup tie 3-1 in January.
Quite remarkably, all eight of Richards Bay’s previous Carling Knockout ties have been played at home, they have never had an away fixture in the competition.
Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Marumo Gallants
One of these sides will make the final of the competition for the first time in their history as they clash in the last four. Golden Arrows have only ever been to one cup final before, when they lifted the MTN8 title in 2009 by beating Ajax Cape Town 6-0, still the biggest-ever cup final win in South African football history.
Gallants have twice before been in the decider of the Nedbank Cup, winning in 2021 but losing the following year. These two sides meet in this exact fixture in the league on November 2, which is six days before their scheduled Carling Knockout clash.
Golden Arrows are on a run of four wins in their last five games (L1), the only defeat an epic 4-3 loss at Stellenbosch FC. Gallants have back-to-back wins and, before that, ousted Mamelodi Sundowns from the Carling Knockout on penalties. Their 4-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in the last round was their biggest ever against a top-flight team.
It is fair to say Golden Arrows have dominated fixtures between these sides, with five wins and three draws in their eight previous clashes.
Gallants will therefore be seeking their first-ever win over Abafana Bes’thende, though another draw might be enough if they can win the shootout. Golden Arrows have won all four home games against Gallants.