The Buccaneers needed a Mbekezeli Mbokazi wondergoal to beat Siwelele 1-0 in their first round clash on Saturday and now take on defending champions Magesi FC at home in the last-8.
Limpopo minnows Magesi stunned Pirates 3-2 in the first round in Orlando last season on their way to lifting the trophy, having also shocked Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the final for one of South African football’s great cup upsets.
Magesi edged AmaZulu 3-2 to book their quarter-final place this time round.
Pirates will be heavy favourites to lift the Carling Knockout with both Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs being ousted on penalties over the weekend, but they have a poor record in this competition down the years.
They have been to nine finals in the past but won just one, in 2011, this despite enjoying regular success in both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. It is a record that has no rational explanation.
Lamontville Golden Arrows, who have found form after a poor start to the campaign, will take on 2023 Carling Knockout finalists TS Galaxy in the last-8, a tie that both sides will feel confident of winning.
Marumo Gallants, who shocked Sundowns on penalties after a 0-0 draw, host 2023 winners Stellenbosch FC, the team that defeated Chiefs also via spot-kicks in the last round after that tie also ended 0-0.
The last of the quarter-finals will be a KwaZulu-Natal Derby as Richards Bay host Durban City.
The ties are scheduled to be played on the weekend of October 25-26, with the Premier Soccer League to announce the exact dates and venues in due course.
The Carling Knockout has been a tournament for the minnows in recent times with 11 different winners in the last 12 editions.
CARLING KNOCKOUT QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
Lamontville Golden Arrows vs TS Galaxy
Marumo Gallants vs Stellenbosch FC
Orlando Pirates vs Magesi FC
Richards Bay vs Durban City
