It has been confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs will be facing SuperSport United back-to-back after the FIFA international break, following the Carling Knockout draw that was conducted on Tuesday afternoon.
Chiefs face Matsatsantsa upon the league resumption on 26 October, and the two teams will now be facing each other in a crunch Last 16 match of the competition a week prior.
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Meanwhile, defending champions Stellenbosch FC, fresh off the disappointment of losing out on the MTN8 after a 3-1 loss to Orlando Pirates in the final, begin this season's endeavour with a trip to Durban to meet AmaZulu FC, who will hope to have appointed a head coach by then follow Pablo Franco Martin's exit.
Another KwaZulu-Natal side, in the shape of Richards Bay FC, who bundled the Buccaneers out of the tournament on penalties last time out, will host a Sekhukhune United side that has ambitions of going all the way having made a couple of big-name signings.
Polokwane City, who had a stellar 2023/24 campaign where they qualified for the MTN8, going as far as extra time in the quarterfinals against Mamelodi Sundowns, will cross swords with Marumo Gallants in what is likely to be anyone's game.
One of the most intriguing fixtures will see Royal AM travel to the Mother City to renew hostilities with Cape Town City, with Eric Tinkler under pressure to deliver results after a lukewarm start to the season despite a massive signing spree in the off-season.
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The last thing the struggling TS Galaxy want is the distraction of a cup competition, but Chippa United lie in wait, and as for whether Sead Ramovic's men will go all the way to the final yet again this season remains to be seen.
New kids on the top-flight block Magesi FC have a tough ask on their hands against the red-hot Pirates, who are slowly but surely becoming cup specialists of South African football.
There is also a potential banana skin for Mamelodi Sundowns as Golden Arrows, under the tutelage of the three musketeers Mabhudi Khenyeza, Musa Bilankulu and Kagisho Dikgacoi, visit the capital.
Dates, venues and kick-off times will be confirmed by the PSL in due course, but the fixtures are expected to be played on the weekend of 18-20 October, as per the season calendar.
FULL LIST OF FIXTURES:
SuperSport United v Kaizer Chiefs
Stellenbosch FC v AmaZulu FC
Richards Bay FC v Sekhukhune United
Polokwane City v Marumo Gallants
Cape Town City v Royal AM
TS Galaxy v Chippa United
Orlando Pirates v Magesi FC
Mamelodi Sundowns v Golden Arrows