Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns' progression to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup has come as a blessing in disguise for Orlando Pirates' push to lift the trophy.
Chiefs and Sundowns both followed Pirates into the last eight with the draw to be held on Monday (18:00) in Randburg.
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The other five teams through are SuperSport United, Stellenbosch FC, Durban City, Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United/Royal AM/Milford.
Of interest is the presence of the Big Three in the last eight.
Since Nedbank took over as sponsors of this competition in 2008, Pirates have been champions whenever Chiefs and Sundowns have also been in the quarters.
In the 2022/23 edition, all three went into the last eight and were all separated at that stage, but Sundowns were elbowed out by Stellenbosch.
Bucs then overcame their Soweto rivals Amakhosi in the semis on their way to lifting the trophy.
Then, in the 2023/24 season, all three were in the quarterfinals with Chiefs and Pirates progressing further, before the latter ultimately ended as champions.
So, with Chiefs and Sundowns through again this, year this will sound sweet to the Ghost who are seeking to lift this trophy for the third year in a row.
Pirates remain the only club to ever win this trophy in three consecutive years having achieved this feat in 1973, '74, and '75 back in the days when it was known as the Life Challenge Cup.
For Jose Riveiro, their coach, the Nedbank Cup will have personal significance.
He won it in his first season and then defended it in his second and now has his eyes on his third title.
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In doing that, it means the Spaniard has not tasted defeat in 12 matches in this competition.
Riveiro will also be the first ever coach to lift this trophy with the same club three years in a row throughout the history of the competition.