AmaZulu and Arrows confident of cup progress

If the first round was any indication, then the only guarantee in the Telkom Knockout is that it will deliver surprises.

That will be especially welcomed by AmaZulu, because the local giants need to break a three-season away losing record against SuperSport United.

In league competition the sides have been even over the past three seasons, with each side victorious in their home league games. This season AmaZulu also ousted the Pretoria side from the MTN8 when they met in Durban.

Now the challenge will be to produce a surprise and overcome the three-time league champions in their own backyard. The first round of this cup tournament delivered several shock results, such as relegated Jomo Cosmos beating Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns overcoming Free State Stars 4-3 where six goals came in the first half, and Golden Arrows come-from-behind 2-1 win away to Platinum Stars.

Usuthu did produce a surprise of sorts, when they edged Maritzburg United 1-0. It was their first win over the "Team of Choice" in two seasons. Tomorrow, with a close-to-full-strength squad, AmaZulu have a fair chance of picking up an away win.

They won't be short of confidence, particularly after hammering SuperSport 3-0 in Durban in their final league game earlier this month.

The possible return of defenders Simangaliso Biyela and Marc van Heerden, and midfielder Ntokozo Sikhakhane from injury significantly bolsters coach Neil Tovey's squad. The only definite non-starter is striker Myron Shongwe. So it will be up to form forwards Dumisani Ngwenya and Ayanda Dlamini to hit the target.

SuperSport hammered Mpumalanga Black Aces 5-1 in their first-round clash, although their ongoing participation in the African Champions League could impact on the strength of the side that coach Gavin Hunt sends out.

On Sunday Arrows will hope to repeat their 6-0 MTN8 cup final thumping of Ajax Cape Town, although the "Urban Warriors" are unlikely to be easy meat this time around.

Telkom Knockout quarter-finals

Saturday: SuperSport United v AmaZulu (Super Stadium, 3pm); Jomo Cosmos v Orlando Pirates (Rand Stadium, 6pm). Sunday: Ajax Cape Town v Golden Arrows (Newlands, 3pm); Sundowns v Chiefs (Super Stadium, 3pm)