SuperSport United and Golden Arrows will compete for a place in the semifinals of the Telkom Knockout when they meet at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday evening.

Kick-off is at 8:15pm CAT.

SuperSport eliminated defending TKO champions Baroka from he competition with a penalty shootout win on October 19, while their last outing was a 1-1 draw away to Bloemfontein Celtic in the league on Wednesday night.

Matsatsantsa won their only Telkom Knockout title in 2014 and last season they got as far as the quarterfinals before falling 1-0 at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs.

The Tshwane club have already tasted cup success this season, beating Highlands Park in the MTN8 final last month, but this hasn't quenched the club's desire for the campaign as they now shift their focus back to the TKO.

"Winning the MTN8 doesn't mean we are done for the year . we are still hungry. After winning, we had our moments of celebrations and then the next day we went back to training and running like it's no body's business," said SuperSport defender Clayton Daniels.

"His [head coach Kaitano Tembo's] attitude has rubbed off on the players. Last season, we lost in the final of the MTN8 and that was his first cup final as a coach, and we knew we disappointed him, so it was important to make him proud this year."

Arrows needed extra time to defeat Polokwane City 1-0 in the last 16 round of the TKO, while they extended their winning form with a 2-1 home triumph over the same team in the league this past weekend.

Abafana Bes’thende have never won the Telkom Knockout, nor reached the final. Last season they stumbled at the first hurdle, losing 2-0 away to eventual champions Baroka FC in the last 16 round.

Arrows boss Steve Komphela has been impressed by SuperSport's progress as of late and predicts nothing but a tough battle at a stadium where Matsatsanta usually play their best football.

"SuperSport United are playing more as a unit, they seem to be understanding their coach now and their work ethic is on another level," Komphela said.

"Their 4-3-3 formation is clear. When you play against them you must be ready to face a very solid team. Our encounter might be decided on small details."

Star players to watch

SuperSport United

Aubrey Modiba: Be it at left-back or in midfield, Modiba is an important player for SuperSport United with his ability to play in several positions a huge boost to the Tshwane club. Having found the back of the net in his last four league games, it is clear to see what big a role he plays at either end of the pitch.

Bradley Grobler: With eight goals in 13 games this season, Grobler has found the back of the net almost at will over the last few weeks. His partnership with Thamsanqa Gabuza has also been a huge boost to Matsatsantsa's cause - and he scored the late equaliser that opened the door for a SuperSport comeback in the round of 16 win over Baroka.

Golden Arrows

Trevor Mathiane: The Arrows skipper has played every minute of football for the club this season and if the KwaZulu-Natal club are to cause an upset in Mbombela, he will have to be at his best to help curb what is a deadly SuperSport attack. He is in for a tough night.

Knox Mutizwa: With five goals in 10 appearances this season, the Zimbabwe international has been the club's form striker. If Arrows are to outgun their opponents in Mbombela this weekend they will probably need to score one or two goals and Mutizwa is the man the club will be looking to, to deliver just that.