Chiefs, Sundowns & Pirates face manageable tests in Nedbank Cup Last 32
The Nedbank Cup Last 32 draw has kept the PSL ‘Big Three’ – Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns – apart, potentially paving the way for a thrilling showdown in the later rounds.
Chiefs and Sundowns were gifted with matches against lower-division sides, while Pirates drew a struggling Betway Premiership team in the draw that was conducted at the Nedbank headquarters in Sandton on Thursday night.
The reigning Nedbank Cup champions, Pirates, will commence their title defence against relegation-threathed Richards Bay FC. The Soweto giants, who have already defended their MTN8 this campaign, will have to travel to KZN as they didn’t get a home draw.
Sundowns will host Free State ABC Motsepe League outfit Sibaneye Golden Stars, while Chiefs will tackle Free Agents FC.
Free Agents, who are from Gauteng and play their football in the third-tier league, will have a short trip to Soweto as Amakhosi are the hosts.
NEDBANK CUP DRAW SERVES UP PSL SHOWDOWNS
The draw produced several encounters between the Betway Premiership teams, with Sekhukhune United being pitted against Cape Town City FC.
Carling Knockout Cup champions Magesi FC will welcome SuperSport United, while Golden Arrows will do battle against Chippa United for a place in the Last 16.
Meanwhile Polokwane City FC will face a stern test against lower-division side The Bees, while Mpheni Home Defenders will lock horns with NFD side Hungry Lions FC.
Other fixtures include Royal AM’s clash with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC and Venda FC’s encounter with Cape Town Spurs.
TS Galaxy have a showdown with CR Vasco Da Gama. Stellenbosch FC will take on PSL newcomers Kruger United, while AmaZulu FC will face Mighty Eagles from the Eastern Cape in the ABC Motsepe League.
Lerumo Lions will battle Durban City FC and Pretoria Callies will square off against Marumo Gallants.
The PSL will announce the dates and venues for the Round of 32 matches at a later date.
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