Telkom Knockout: A Comprehensive Guide
The Telkom Knockout (TKO) is one of the most prestigious cup competitions in South African football, featuring some of the top teams from around the country. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the TKO, its history, format, and rules.
History of the Telkom Knockout
The Telkom Knockout has a rich history dating back to 1996, when it was first introduced as the SABC Cup. Over the years, the competition has undergone several changes, with the current format featuring 32 teams competing in a knockout tournament.
- 1996: The SABC Cup is founded
- 2000s: The cup is rebranded as the Telkom Knockout
- 2012: The competition is suspended due to financial constraints
- 2014: The TKO is revived with a new format
Telkom Knockout Format and Rules
The Telkom Knockout features 32 teams competing in a knockout tournament, with the winner earning a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup. Here's an overview of the competition format:
| Round | Description |
|---|---|
| First Round (16 matches) | 32 teams compete in a knockout format, with winners advancing to the next round and losers being eliminated |
| Second Round (8 matches) | 16 teams remaining from the first round compete in another knockout stage, with winners advancing to the quarterfinals |
| Quarterfinals (4 matches) | 8 teams competing for a spot in the semifinals |
| Semifinals (2 matches) | The remaining 4 teams compete for a spot in the final |
| Final | The winners of the semifinals meet in the TKO final, with the winner earning a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup |
Telkom Knockout Teams and Draws
The Telkom Knockout features some of the top teams from around South Africa. Here's an overview of the teams that have participated in recent seasons:
- Premier League teams: Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, Cape Town City
- National First Division (NFD) teams: Ajax Cape Town, Free State Stars, Polokwane City, Chippa United
The draws for the Telkom Knockout are usually held a few weeks before the start of the competition. The draws determine which teams will face each other in the first round and subsequent rounds.
Questions and Answers: Telkom Knockout
Q: What is the history of the Telkom Knockout?
A: The Telkom Knockout has a rich history dating back to 1996, when it was first introduced as the SABC Cup. Over the years, the competition has undergone several changes.
Q: Who are some of the top teams that participate in the Telkom Knockout?
A: The Premier League teams such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, and Cape Town City are some of the top teams that participate in the Telkom Knockout.
Telkom Knockout Winners and Runners-Up
Here's a list of recent winners and runners-up of the Telkom Knockout:
| Season | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Mamelodi Sundowns | Orlando Pirates |
| 2018-19 | Cape Town City | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2019-20 | Orlando Pirates | Golden Arrows |
Telkom Knockout Statistics and Records
The Telkom Knockout has produced some impressive statistics over the years. Here are a few records worth mentioning:
- Most