Orlando Pirates, for the third successive time in the Carling Knockout Last 16, have been drawn against a newly-promoted team, and following conspiracy theories on social media, KickOff explains the draw procedure.
After newly-crowned MTN8 champions Pirates were drawn against Magesi FC, who are in their debut top-flight season, in the Carling Knockout Round of 16, there was banter and conspiracy theories on social media, pertaining to how they always get favourable draws in the early stages of cup tournaments.
READ: Manqoba to inherit Rulani gripe with Broos?
Going back to 2019, Bucs were drawn against Stellenbosch FC in the first round, who had just won promotion and although they progressed by 1-0, they were eliminated by rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals on penalties, after a 2-2 draw.
It was back then known as the Telkom Knockout.
The TKO was discontinued and no replacement sponsor was found until 2023/24 with the Carling Knockout, where the Soweto giants were again drawn against Cape Town Spurs in the first round, with the latter in their first season back.
However, although they beat the Urban Warriors 2-0, Jose Riveiro's charges could also not get past the quarter-finals after they were eliminated by Richards Bay FC on penalties following a goalless draw.
Their past results after drawing newly-promoted sides, ahead of their Carling Knockout Last 16 clash against Magesi, show that there are no 'favourable' draws in a knockout competition, as playing so-called smaller teams has not helped them win the trophy, in these instances.
According to a draw procedure by the PSL regarding the League Cup, eight teams that finished in the Top Eight are seeded as per their league positions the season prior, meaning teams they get the privilege of facing opposition who finished lower in the standings.
As a result, Chiefs drew tougher opposition on paper in the Last 16, in SuperSport United, having finished 10th in the standings last term.
READ | Event update: There's a new date for the Legendary 5 Tournament!
Defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns will face Golden Arrows, who were unseeded in the draw, while Stellenbosch, who won the tournament last season, were drawn against AmaZulu FC, who were also unseeded.
As a result of the seeding process, the big teams are never likely to face each other in the first round, though this time around Amakhosi could have drawn either Pirates or The Brazilians in the draw of lots.