Johannesburg - It was a case of David versus Goliath as both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were drawn to play less fancied opponents in the first round of the Telkom Knockout.
The draw was held in Randburg on Monday.
Pirates will travel to Mpumalanga Black Aces, while Chiefs will be away to newly promoted Polokwane City.
Dates for the fixtures will be confirmed at a later stage.
Chiefs player Jimmy Jambo said the short trip up the N1 was like playing home away from home.
"The draw has been good, playing in Polokwane we can't really say we're playing away," said Jambo.
As for following up their success from the previous season where the Soweto giants achieved a league and Cup double, Jambo said his Amakhosi teammates now knew what it took to lift trophies.
"I don't think there's pressure on us.
"The coach is not putting us under pressure, but it's something we want as a team. We want to win Cups. We're going to have to go for it.
"We just have to focus and make sure we perform on the day."
Meanwhile, Pirates captain Lucky Legwathi was also pleased to face Aces.
"Playing Mpumalanga Black Aces is a good draw for us," said Lekgwathi.
"When we're playing Telkom we'll just focus on that tournament.
"We just need to go there and win the game. It's always important to win the first game of the Cup, otherwise you have to watch the rest of the teams from the sidelines."
Mamelodi Sundowns also faced an away assignment with a trip to Bloemfontein Celtic.
Complete Telkom Knockout first round draw (home team listed first):
Bloemfontein Celtic v Mamelodi Sundowns
Free State Stars v AmaZulu
Bidvest Stadium v Golden Arrows
Platinum Stars v Maritzburg United
Mpumalanga Black Aces v Orlando Pirates
Polokwane City v Kaizer Chiefs
Moroka Swallows v University of Pretoria