The Telkom Knockout: A Comprehensive Guide
The Telkom Knockout, also known as TKO, is one of the most prestigious knockout tournaments in South African football. The competition has been a highlight of the domestic football calendar since its inception in 2003.History of the Telkom Knockout
- The first edition of the tournament was held in 2003 and featured eight teams from the top division of South African football.
- In its early years, the TKO was contested by teams from the Premier Soccer League (PSL), with the winner earning a significant amount of prize money.
The Telkom Knockout has undergone several format changes over the years. Initially, it was a straight knockout competition where teams were eliminated after losing a single match. However, in 2013, the PSL decided to modify the format to include group stages and round-robin matches.
Telkom Knockout Format
The current format of the Telkom Knockout involves 32 teams from the top two divisions of South African football competing in a knockout competition. The tournament is played over several rounds, with each match being a single leg.
Group Stage and Round-Robin Matches
- In the group stage, 16 teams are divided into four groups of four teams each.
- The top two teams from each group qualify for the knockout stage, while the third-placed team in each group is eliminated.
However, in the current format, all 32 teams participate in a round-robin phase, with the top eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals. This change was implemented to increase competitiveness and provide more opportunities for smaller teams to compete against bigger clubs.
Telkom Knockout Schedule
The Telkom Knockout typically takes place over several weeks in August and September. The exact schedule may vary from year to year, but the tournament usually starts with the group stage matches and culminates in a final match at the end of September.
Telkom Knockout Rules
- The winner of each match is determined by the team that scores more goals than their opponent.
- If the score is tied after 90 minutes, the match goes into extra time. If the score remains tied after extra time, the winner is determined by a penalty shootout.
The Telkom Knockout has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the introduction of new rules and regulations aimed at increasing competitiveness and improving the overall quality of the tournament.
Telkom Knockout Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2004 | Kaizer Chiefs |
| 2005 | SuperSport United |
| 2006 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2007 | Kaizer Chiefs |
| 2008 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2009 | Ajax Cape Town |
| 2010 | Kaizer Chiefs |
| 2011 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2012 | SuperSport United |
| 2013 | Kaizer Chiefs |
| 2014 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2015 | Ajax Cape Town |
| 2016 | Kaizer Chiefs |
| 2017 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2018 | Ajax Cape Town |
| 2019 | Kaizer Chiefs |
Telkom Knockout Teams
The Telkom Knockout features teams from the top two divisions of South African football, with a total of 32 teams participating in the competition. The tournament is contested by some of the biggest and most successful clubs in the country.
Notable Teams in the Telkom Knockout
- Mamelodi Sundowns: One of the most successful teams in South African football, with a record 13 league