Kaizer Chiefs have joined fellow heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in the semifinals of the Carling Knockout after they defeated Siwelele FC 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday evening.
The Amakhosi had to come from behind, with Siwelele taking the early ascendancy via Siyabonga Ndebele, but goals from Wandile Duba and Asanele Velebayi secured safe passage into the final four of the cup competition.
90 + 4’| #CHI 2 : 1 #SIW Full-time score: (Duba 45 + 2’, Velebayi 84’) Kaizer Chiefs 2 : 1 Siwelele FC (Ndebele 12’) Champion Player of the Match: Mfundo Vilakazi #Amakhosi4Life #TheKingdomRises #LoveAndPeace #CarlingKnockoutCup https://t.co/ktg63UZtkQ
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) November 8, 2026
Siwelele had a great chance to claim the lead six minutes into the match, with Sphesihle Jeza latching onto a loose ball in the box and shooting on target, but Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen produced an outstanding save.
Just five minutes later the visitors did go ahead, as Siyabonga Ndebele out-jumped his marker at a corner kick and sent a thumping header beyond the reach of Petersen to make it 1-0 to the team in green and white.
Chiefs, after dominating possession but struggling to create chances, were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute when Mfundo Vilakazi drew a clumsy foul from Vincent Pule.
Mduduzi Shabalala took the spot kick but sent his effort over the target.
Another penalty went the way of the Amakhosi in injury time before the break, with Ndebele’s late challenge upending Shabalala.
This time Wandile Duba took the spot kick and sent a shot past goalkeeper Jody February to see the game locked at 1-1 heading into the interval.
A man who is never short of confidence ✨ Wandile Duba converts from the spot and Chiefs are level ✌️⚽️ 📺 Stream #CarlingKnockoutCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc https://t.co/31z6R78B8R
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 8, 2026
The start of the second half saw a double change for Siwelele, as they introduced Christian Saile and Njabulo Ngcobo from the bench, and Shadrack Kobedi followed just over 10 minutes later.
Yet it was the team in gold and black that had more energy and impetus, as Chiefs forced their opponents back in search of a second goal.
The Amakhosi had to be patient, but a decisive goal finally arrived in the 84th minute, with substitute Asanele Velebayi sending a low shot beyond February to put the hosts 2-1 up and on course for the semifinals.
Siwelele almost found an equaliser in the final minute of regulation time, with Zakhele Lepasa stabbing an effort just wide after a defensive mistake from Thabo Moloisane.
The teams will return to action after the international break with Betway Premiership fixtures, as Chiefs face Chippa United away, and Siwelele travel to Sekhukhune United.
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2 (Duba 45+2’ pen, Velebayi 84’)
Siwelele FC (1) 1 (Ndebele 11’)
CHIEFS: Petersen, Solomons, Moloisane, Dortley, Mako, Mthethwa, Maboe (Mabaso 81’), Vilakazi (Kwinika 90+2’), Mmodi, Shabalala (Velebayi 75’), Duba (Silva 75’)
SIWELELE: February, Mfolozi, Sesane, Ndebele (Ngcobo 46’), Khonyane, Jeza (Lepasa 76’), Mokhuoane (Kobedi 57’), Letshedi, Pule, Mazibuko, Marou (Saile 46’)