South Africa's football fanatics can look forward to exciting times as the highly anticipated Telkom Knockout, in partnership with the Premier Soccer League, returns to give supporters of the beautiful game unlimited rivalry on and off the field.

The 2016/17 Telkom Knockout will kick off on Wednesday, 19 October 2016, with the additional round of 16 matches to be played during the weekend of the 22 and 23 October 2016.

The tournament with a rich history, promises to provide thrilling encounters as sixteen Premier Soccer League clubs battle it out in an effort to dethrone defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and claim the R4 million prize money.

After losing in the final in 2007 and 2012, Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned champions last year and they will be looking to win the trophy for the second time since Telkom joined forces with the Premier Soccer League to sponsor the competition 10 years ago.

Speaking at the launch of the 2016 Telkom Knockout, Telkom’s Group Executive Communication & Brand Marketing Jacqui O’ Sullivan said: “As a customer centric organisation, Telkom strives to provide innovative ways for its customers, fans and employees in general to access football using advanced technology. We know that banter plays such an integral role in fuelling rivalry amongst the fans.

“Thus through the Telkom Knockout, we want to connect our fans and re-ignite their passion for football by giving them the freedom to banter on low call rates when rallying behind their teams. We are providing Telkom prepaid solutions that are affordable, offer best value, and allow the passion of the game to spread amongst the fans and fuel their passion for their clubs” concluded O’ Sullivan.

An exciting line up of activities await the fans as the “Unlimited Rivalry” theme permeates every aspect of the Telkom Knockout tournament. Football fans can look forward to an array of fan competitions and stadium festivities. Off the field, supporters will get an opportunity to connect and fuel their rivalry with Telkom's low call rates.

PSL acting Chief Executive, Mato Madlala added: “Through our partnership with Telkom, we have managed to build a strong brand in the Telkom Knockout which continuously delivers millions of television audiences annually and attracts thousands of people at the stadiums.

"This, we believe, is at the heart of this partnership – a mutually beneficial exercise that enables Telkom to connect with millions of passionate football fans while the PSL continues to grow as a commercial brand. We are ever aware of our role in society as football because of the special place we hold with the fans – the spiritual owners of the game.

"We hope for an unlimited rivalry amongst the clubs and the supporters in the 2016/17 edition of the Telkom Knockout. The intended consequence of this ‘unlimited rivalry’ is more goals on the field and on-going conversations amongst the supporters of football.”

The Telkom Knockout draw, which took place at the Wanderers club in Johannesburg, provided an interesting set of fixtures for the round of sixteen as shown below:

TELKOM KNOCKOUT – ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES

(Home team listed first)

Cape Town City v Bloemfontein Celtic

Baroka FC v Platinum Stars

Orlando Pirates v Golden Arrows

Kaizer Chiefs v Maritzburg United

Free State Stars v Bidvest Wits

SuperSport United v Ajax Cape Town

Mamelodi Sundowns v Polokwane City

Highlands Park v Chippa United