Chiefs get kind draw in Coca-Cola Cup

Kaizer Chiefs team manager Bobby Motaung breathed a huge sigh of relief when the defending Coca-Cola Cup champions were drawn at home against unfancied Tembisa Classic in the first round of this lucrative competition on Thursday.

Motaung, whose team were bundled out of the season opening SAA Supa8 by Bloemfontein Celtic at first hurdle, punched the air with excitement when Classic's name came out of the hat.

It was, however, not a kind draw for last season's losing finalists, SuperSport United, as they were pitted against tricky Free State Stars, who have proved to be useful opponents in the league so far this season with brave and exciting displays.

For United, it is not clear if their two notable signings in mercurial but wayward midfielder Jabu Pule and Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela will be ready for action as they must both still prove their fitness .

Orlando Pirates, who were knocked out 3-1 in the opening round last season by Mamelodi Sundowns in a pulsating encounter, host Black Leopards in another match that has the potential to have spectators on the edges of their seats.

Both teams have not had the best of luck in cup competitions in recent times and this offers them another opportunity to take a shot at knock-out glory.

Sundowns have a tricky home tie with Golden Arrows.

Arrows were knocked out in the first round last season by eventual winners Chiefs and there is no doubt that Khabo Zondo's men will be looking for a better tournament this time around.

In other matches, Moroka Swallows travel to Santos, Ajax Cape Town are at home to Bush Bucks, Jomo Cosmos visit Silver Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic host Dynamos.

Full Coca-Cola Cup draw (home teams first):

Chiefs vs Classic, Pirates vs Leopards, Sundowns vs Arrows, SuperSport vs FS Stars, Swallows vs Santos, Ajax vs Bush Bucks, Silver Stars vs Cosmos, Celtic vs Dynamos.

NB: Dates and venues are to be confirmed at a later stage by the PSL Cup Committee

Prize money

Champions: R2-million; Runners-up: R1-million; Losing semi-finalists: R400 000; Losing quarter-finalists: R20 000; First round losers: R150 000.