Gauteng invades KZN in Telkom matches

Johannesburg - Next weekend will see Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates invade KwaZulu-Natal in the Telkom Knockout last 16 fixtures.

This is after Chiefs decided to take their clash with AmaZulu to their alternative Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, while the other clash will see Golden Arrows host Orlando Pirates at Princess Magogo Stadium in the afternoon.

Avenge defeats

There is something between Pirates and Arrows as they seem to attract each other in cup competitions. So, it is not surprising that the two sides have, once again, been pitted against each other in the opening round of the Telkom Knockout.

Last season they met twice in two knockout competitions with the Buccaneers getting the better of Arrows in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup and the first round of the Telkom Knockout.

They meet again at the same stage of the same tournament at the weekend with Arrows aiming to avenge last season’s defeats.

Arrows are in a better position this time with their impressive league form and they should fancy their chances against Pirates. The KwaZulu-Natal side were unbeaten in the league before this weekend’s round of fixtures.

Chiefs will be hoping to use Usuthu as their stepladder towards the next round of the tournament. Amakhosi are searching for their first silverware in three seasons and this tournament gives them the opportunity to achieve that goal.

Hugely improved

If there was a time for Bidvest Wits to turn around their season, it would be against Free State Stars on Saturday evening.

There is no doubt that Stars have always been Wits’ nemesis and they will be hoping to continue with their good form against the students in the opening round of the Telkom Knockout. The two teams played to a 2-2 draw earlier in the season.

From one cup game to another and another. This is the story of newly crowned MTN8 champions SuperSport United, who are away in Tunisia for the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday evening. On their return, they will go straight to another cup game when they travel to play the improving Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday evening.

Cape Town City will start the defence of their Telkom Knockout title with a tricky trip to Polokwane to face hugely improved Baroka FC.

The opening game of the competition will see Roger De Sá returning to Maritzburg United, who will host Platinum Stars on Friday night.