Carling Knockout draw: Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs handed home ties

The first-round draw for the Carling Knockout has been confirmed, with defending champions Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs kept apart after the Premier Soccer League used a seeded format.

The top eight teams from last season were placed in one pot, ensuring the competition’s leading sides would not meet one another at the opening stage.

Newly promoted Kruger United and Milford FC will both make their Carling Knockout debuts.

Orlando Pirates begin their attempt to retain the trophy against Kruger United, whom they defeated 4-0 in the Betway Premiership earlier this season.

Mamelodi Sundowns, fresh from winning the MTN8, will face Marumo Gallants. Gallants reached the Carling Knockout final last season.

The full first-round draw is:

– Kruger United v AmaZulu FC – Mamelodi Sundowns v Marumo Gallants – Golden Arrows v Chippa United – Durban City v Stellenbosch FC – Orlando Pirates v Milford FC – Polokwane City v Siwelele FC – Sekhukhune United v Richards Bay FC – Kaizer Chiefs v TS Galaxy

The draw gives both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs home fixtures, with Pirates paired with Milford FC and Chiefs set to host TS Galaxy.

Kaizer Chiefs are among the three sides protected from facing one another in the first round, alongside Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The competition will also feature AmaZulu FC, Golden Arrows, Chippa United, Durban City, Stellenbosch FC, Polokwane City, Siwelele FC, Sekhukhune United and Richards Bay FC.

The first-round ties include a meeting between Durban City and Stellenbosch FC, while Golden Arrows will play Chippa United.

Polokwane City have been drawn against Siwelele FC, and Sekhukhune United will face Richards Bay FC.

The Carling Knockout is the first cup competition in which Kruger United and Milford FC will participate following their promotion.

Pirates’ proposed opening fixture against Kruger United would reunite the holders with opponents they have already beaten this season, while the confirmed draw list also places Milford FC against the reigning champions.

Sundowns enter the competition after lifting the MTN8 title and will face a Marumo Gallants side that went all the way to the final in the previous campaign.

The seeded draw means the three highest-profile sides avoid one another until a later round, preventing an early meeting between the defending champions and either of the previous season’s leading teams.