Cheers to the underdogs! The Carling Knockout Cup is their chance to shoot their shot

THE Carling Knockout Cup returns to the Premier Soccer League calendar with its newfound reputation for giving smaller teams within the Premiership a realistic shot at silverware.

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This reputation is well deserved, thanks to the recent triumphs of Stellenbosch FC and Magesi FC. Stellenbosch, though a club on the rise, claimed their first major topflight trophy by winning the inaugural Carling Knockout in 2023.

Stellenbosch, coached by Steve Barker, were from then on a club on the rise as they went on to register the “Beer Cup” as their first topflight silverware — what a way to open their trophy account, after all, they are from the Winelands.

They defeated TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final. This victory was a significant mile-

stone for the Capetonians and they capitalised on this success to later qualify for their first-ever continental football appearance.