GIFT NDOLWANE
JOHANNESBURG – TELKOM Knockout holders Mamelodi Sundowns will kick off their title defence at home to Polokwane City later this month.

This was the outcome of the draw conducted on Thursday in Johannesburg.

The two newly-promoted clubs – Baroka FC and Highlands Park- have both been drawn at home against Platinum Stars and Chippa United respectively.

Rebranded Cape Town City will play a home fixture against Bloemfontein Celtic.

Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have also both been drawn at home against Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows respectively.

Free State Stars will host a Bidvest Wits side still on a high after winning the season-opening MTN 8, while Ajax Cape Town will be in Pretoria to take on SuperSport United.

The dates, times and venues will be announced at a later stage but the games will take place on October 19, 22 and 23.

Sundowns won the tournament last year after beating Chiefs 3-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
– Guardian