The “Unlimited Rivalry” can now get underway in earnest after the 16 PSL clubs were paired up in Thursday’s 2016 Telkom Knockout Draw which took place at the Wanderers club in Johannesburg.

Last year’s champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, kick off their title defence at home to a Polokwane City side which has made a promising start to the season.

The two newly-promoted clubs – Baroka FC and Highlands Park, have both been drawn at home, Bakgaga set to play Platinum Stars, while the Lions of the North host Chippa United.

Cape Town City also play their first match in the competition since their formation and they will take on Bloemfontein Celtic in the Mother City.

The two Soweto sides, Kaizer Chiefs (losing finalists last year) and Orlando Pirates, have also both been drawn at home, and both will play KZN clubs; Chiefs host Maritzburg United while Pirates will welcome Golden Arrows to Orlando.

Free State Stars will host a Bidvest Wits side fresh from winning the season-opening cup competition, while Ajax Cape Town make the trek up north to Pretoria to take on SuperSport United.

The full fixtures are as follows. Home teams listed first. The exact dates, times and venues will be announced at a later stage, but the games will take place on October 19, 22 and 23.

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