Orlando Pirates

After a thrilling start to South Africa's football season, the Carling Knockout could add more twists and turns when it kicks off on Friday, with Stellenbosch taking on Kaizer Chiefs in the pick of the round.

When Mohau Nkota moved from Kimberley to join Orlando Pirates around four years ago, he battled homesickness, but through a period of rapid change, as he shot up to the first team, he leaned on teammate Relebohile Mofokeng.

MTN8 champions Orlando Pirates will begin their CAF Champions League campaign on Saturday in Bloemfontein, against Lesotho champions Lioli FC in the preliminary round first leg.

Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch will face off for a second successive MTN8 final clash, this time at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, with Stellies looking to avenge last year's controversial defeat in the same fixture.

With the final two weeks of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) transfer window (1 July - September 22) underway, Mamelodi Sundowns are the club that remain under the most scrutiny.

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, as well as defender Tapelo Xoki, have been hospitalised after a road traffic incident, which took place on Sunday night after a 3-0 win over Chippa United.

The second leg fixtures in the MTN8 semi-final will both be played on Saturday, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch ahead of Orlando Pirates (on away goals) and Sekhukhune United respectively.

With the Major League Soccer (MLS) transfer window closing on Thursday, Minnesota United are racing against the clock to seal the signature of Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, a source told ESPN.

Orlando Pirates will host Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday in the Betway Premiership, as two of last season's top three teams go head-to-head as they look to build momentum after sticky starts.

The first legs of the MTN8 semi-finals take place this Saturday, August 16, with Orlando Pirates hosting Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium at 3pm CAT, and Stellenbosch face Sekhukhune United at 6pm.