Telkom cup’s tough draw

Sibongiseni Gumbi

Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas, above, said he will give their Telkom Knockout first round opponents Black Leopards the same respect they would give if they were to play Barcelona.

Solinas said after the draw in Randburg last night that there are no easy games. “I respect Leopards. They are a very good team. The playing fields are level and any team can beat anyone.”

He has a big task on his shoulders with Amakhosi having gone three seasons without a trophy.

Leopards have been trying to find their feet in the elite league since their promotion and are not seen as a big danger to Solinas’ hungry side. But the Naturena side have a long history of disappointing against the so-called smaller sides in cup competitions.

Orlando Pirates got a home fixture against their long-term nemesis Chippa United who have found their rhythm under new mentor Eric Tinkler.

Defending champions Bidvest Wits will start at their unhappy hunting ground at Goble Park where they will meet Free State Stars. Wits have always found it hard in Bethlehem.

Mamelodi Sundowns were drawn against last year’s losing finalists Bloemfontein Celtic.

The TKO is set to start on the weekend of October 20.