Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates will begin their defence of the Nedbank Cup against Tornado FC after the draw for the opening round took place in Johannesburg.
Pirates beat Wits in last year’s final and have an easy start to their campaign, while Tornado FC will look to slay the tournament’s first giant when the round of 32 kicks off in February.
Tornado are one of eight teams in the draw that play in the SA Football Association (Safa) leagues, while eight teams from the National First Division (NFD) join all 16 Premiership teams to make up the 32 participants.
Kaizer Chiefs have also been handed a fairly easy start to their mission, taking on either African All Stars or Edu Sports FC, who are yet to play for a spot in the last 32.
Four all-Premiership ties were drawn, the most notable of which sees Mpumalanga Black Aces host Maritzburg United.
Elsewhere, SuperSport United host Polokwane City, the University of Pretoria welcome Moroka Swallows and Wits take on Free State Stars.
Mamelodi Sundowns start their campaign against NFD outfit Thanda Royal Zulu at home, while struggling AmaZulu face Golden Arrows in a mouth-watering KwaZulu-Natal derby.
Dates and venues for the first round will be confirmed at a later date.
Nedbank Cup first round: Bellvue Winners Park v Vasco Da Gama, Wits v Free State Stars, AmaZulu v Golden Arrows, Mpumalanga Black Aces v Maritzburg United, Orlando Pirates v Tornado FC, University of Pretoria v Moroka Swallows, Mamelodi Sundowns v Thanda Royal Zulu, SuperSport United v Polokwane City, African Warriors v Maluti FET College, Black Leopards v FC Cape Town, Bloemfontein Celtic v North West Shining Stars/Roses United, Chippa United v Natal United, Phiva Young Stars v Jomo Cosmos, Kaizer Chiefs v African All Stars/Edu Sports FC, Platinum Stars v The Magic FC, Mainstay United v Ajax Cape Town. – Sapa