The affiliates of the National First Division will play their preliminary matches for the Nedbank Cup Competition from Monday until Wednesday next week. The draw for the opening matches was conducted at the Premier Soccer League's offices in Johannesburg last Tuesday.

Black Leopards have reason to regard themselves lucky. They will host the East London-based side, Blackburn Rovers, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. Lidoda Duvha are almost sure of a place in the last-32 stage of the prestigious competition if the current log standing is anything to go by. While the Thohoyandou outfit is lying in the fifth spot,  Rovers are fighting for survival.

The coach of Black Leopards, Mr Kostadin Papic, says although his mandate is to take the team back to the Absa Premiership, come the end of the season, it will be good for the club and the people of Vhembe if they manage to bring home some silverware in the process. He clearly indicated that they will not underestimate Rovers.

FC Cape Town will take on Baroka FC at the NNK Rugby Stadium in Cape Town. Baroka are still recovering from their 1-3 defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers. Jomo Cosmos meet the pace setters, Milano United, at the Athlone Stadium in Rondebosch East.

Roses United will have a date with United FC at the Makhulong Stadium in Thembisa, and Thanda Royal Zulu will undertake a journey to Phuthaditshaba in the Free State. They will lock horns with Maluti FET College at the Charles Mopedi Stadium. Santos will host Chippa United at the Athlone Stadium in their Cape Town derby.

Tuesday will see African Warriors entertain Vasco da Gama at the Charles Mopedi Stadium. The only match to be played on Monday will be between Witbank Spurs and Sivutsa Stars at the Puma Rugby Stadium in Witbank