Tricky cup draw for PSL big boys
Kaizer Chiefs will face another knockout trip to BidVest Wits when the teams meet in the first round of the 2013 Nedbank Cup.
Wits defeated AmaKhosi 3-2 in the opening round of the 2012 Telkom Knockout, and the pair must face-off again at the BidVest Stadium as they seek a passage through to the second round of the Nedbank Cup.
It is arguably the pick of the ties in the Last 32, though defending champions SuperSport United will not relish a home meeting with current MTN8 champions Moroka Swallows.
Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Ajax Cape Town in a game that has the potential to be a thriller, despite the fact that both sides have performed below par so far this campaign. Sundowns were runners up to SuperSport in this competition last May.
The other all-Premier League tie sees University of Pretoria host Maritzburg United in Tshwane.
The Nedbank Cup has been renowned for some giant-killing acts in recent seasons and there will be opportunities for the minnow sides again in this year’s first round.
The 2011 Nedbank Cup champions Orlando Pirates make the trip to the Free State to play third-tier Maluti FET College, who only qualified for the Last 32 via a play-off on Sunday. It is a dream draw for SAFA Second Division side.
There are other David versus Goliath match-ups to look forward too as well. AmaZulu entertain Eastern Cape third-tier outfit Tembu Royals, while Western Cape SAFA Second Division side Cape Town All Stars travel to Black Leopards.
Gauteng SAFA Second Division side Vardos FC have been drawn at home to Lamontville Golden Arrows, a chance for them to write a famous chapter in their short history.
The preliminary round for the National First Division sides will be held on February 13, meaning those eight sides still have to be determined.
But there are some big match-ups for those lucky enough to make it through, not least a trip to Bloemfontein Celtic for either Milano United or Thanda Royal Zulu. Free State Stars must also face NFD opposition in the form of either Witbank Spurs or Blackburn Rovers.
The first round ties will be played the weekend of February 22-24 and February 27, with the exact dates, venues and kick-off times to be decided by the PSL Cup Committee.
Nedbank Cup:
SuperSport United v Moroka Swallows
Bidvest Wits v Kaizer Chiefs
Maluti FET College v Orlando Pirates
Ajax Cape Town v Mamelodi Sundowns
Mbombela United v Vasco da Gama/Santos
AmaZulu v Temba Royals FC
Black Leopards v Cape Town All Stars
University of Pretoria v Maritzburg United
United FC/Roses United v Chippa United
Bloem Celtic v Milano United/Thanda Royal Zulu
Island FC v Polokwane City/F.C.A.K
Vardos FC v Golden Arrows
Dynamos/Mpumalanga Black Aces v Platinum Stars
Magesi FC v Jomo Cosmos/FC Cape Town
Sivutsa Stars/African Warriors v Jacksa Spears
Free State Stars v Witbank Spurs/Blackburn Rovers
