Ea Lla Koto has been battling this season after winning the title seven months ago, however, they were drawn at home to face Richards Bay FC in Bethlehem.

The captain, Rooi Mahamutsa, says seeing that it is a cup competition it will be tricky to defend their title.

“It is not going to be easy because we know that each and every one of these teams are going to want to win the trophy.

“For us, it is a matter of wanting to retain it, so it is not going to be easy, but we are looking forward to it.”

It will be a Free State derby for Bloemfontein Celtic when they travel to face the Super Eagles in the first round.

Full fixtures (home teams first) - Cape Town City vs. SuperSport United • Umvoti FC vs. TS Galaxy • Wits vs. Boyne Tigers FC • Chippa United vs. Mamelodi Sundowns • AmaZulu vs. Highlands Park • Tjakastad Junior Shepard vs. Golden Arrows • Baroka FC vs. Jomo Cosmos • Maccabi FC vs. The Magic FC • Witbank Spurs vs. Maritzburg United • Free State Stars vs. Richards Bay FC • Super Eagles vs. Bloemfontein Celtic • Polokwane City vs. Tshakuma FC • Blacks Leopards vs. Orlando Pirates • Cape Umoya FC vs. Tshwane University of Technology • Mbombela United vs. NC Professionals • Tornado FC vs. Kaizer Chiefs.

The dates and venues for the first round are yet to be confirmed.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport