The Premier Soccer League on Thursday conducted the Nedbank Cup Last 16 draw that resulted in the so-called ‘Big Three’ avoiding each other.
Of the three, Mamelodi Sundowns may be the only team that drew a favourite opponent in Mpheni Home Defenders, while Kaizer Chiefs will tussle it out against Chippa United. Orlando Pirates were drawn against Baroka FC.
Sundowns have drawn third-tier opponents for the second round in a row having dispatched Sibanye Golden Stars 5-2 in the previous stage. Limpopo side Home Defenders beat second-tier Hungry Lions 3-1 at home and would have loved nothing more than to take Sundowns to the Thohoyandou Stadium.
Chiefs will home ground advantage when they face off with Chippa United. While Amakhosi will be looking at edging a step closer to lifting the Nedbank Cup trophy by beating “The Chilli Boys”, the Eastern Cape side will not be pushovers.
Meanwhle, Pirates host a team with a special Nedbank Cup history in Baroka FC as they seek an unprecedented third Nedbank Cup title in a row and coach Jose Riveiro seeks to extend his 11-match unbeaten run in the competition.
Baroka are the only club in history to reach the Nedbank Cup semifinals as a third, second and first-tier team, and defeated Pirates in penalties in the decider of the 2018 Telkom Knockout, one of South African football’s great final upsets.
Marumo Gallants will face AmaZulu, Stellenbosch FC will host Polokwane City, while SuperSport United will square off against Cape Town Spurs.
Motsepe Foundation’s Durban City will host TS Galaxy.
Royal AM’s participation in their Last 32 tie against Milford FC remains uncertain but whoever reached the next stage will host Sekhukhune United.
Dates, Venues and kick-off times will be announced by the PSL in due course.