Kaizer Chiefs were preparing to host TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Last 16 on Tuesday night while enduring a 16-year title drought in the competition.
Titles in the competition
Kaizer Chiefs have 13 titles in the competition dating back to the inaugural tournament in 1982. Mamelodi Sundowns have four wins in the competition, while Orlando Pirates have two victories and enter the 2026 campaign as defending champions.
Last title and final appearance
Kaizer Chiefs' last triumph in the Carling Knockout came in 2010 when they defeated Pirates 3-0 in the final. From the start of the Premier Soccer League era in 1996/97, Kaizer Chiefs won the title in eight of the first 15 seasons but have not done so since. Their most recent final appearance was in 2015/16, when they lost to Sundowns.
Recent knockout exits
Across the 27 editions in that time, Kaizer Chiefs have reached at least the semi-finals 14 times. They have not reached at least the semi-finals since the competition returned to the calendar in 2023/24. Kaizer Chiefs also went out in the opening round in 2023 to AmaZulu, exited in the first round last season when they lost on penalties to Stellenbosch FC, and lost 4-0 to Sundowns in the quarter-finals in 2024.
Recent results
Not counting penalty shootouts, Kaizer Chiefs have won only one of their last eight Carling Knockout matches, with one win, three draws and four defeats. That one win was a 4-0 success at SuperSport United in 2024.