The annual BP Top Eight kicks off on the first weekend of August and PSL boss Dr Robin Petersen announced at the official launch on Tuesday that the tournament would be a straight knockout.

"We have made a number of significant changes to the competition," said Petersen. "This year there will be no third-place play-off like last year."

This, Petersen said, was an attempt to curb a possible fixture congestion, with the African Nations Cup being played in February. A new competition, the Coca Cola Cup, will be added to the PSL calendar next season.

"Another important change is that there will be no replay of the final," he said. "In case of a deadlock, the match will go into extra time, after whick the golden goal rule will apply."

Four stars of yesteryear conducted the official draw at a glittering function in Orlando West at Ubuntu Kraal. The 2001 Top Eight will be dedicated to former stars. The theme is "Tribute to the Legends".

Marks "Go man go" Maponyane, a former Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Wits University star, drew Pirates at home to SuperSport United. The match will be played on August 4, but the date, according to Petersen, is subject to approval from the competitions committee.

Another legend, Mlungisi "Professor" Ngubane, gave Chiefs home ground advantage against Ria Stars. The match will be played at Ellis Park on August 11.

Former Chiefs great Mark Tovey conducted the third draw, which gave Free State Stars home advantage against Sundowns. This match will take place at Gobble Park in the Free State on August 5.

But should Sundowns qualify for the semifinals of both the BP Top Eight and Caf Champions League, they will play their Top Eight semifinal on August 19.

Sugar Ray Xulu, a former AmaZulu great, did the last draw and gave Jomo Cosmos the privilege of hosting Santos at Olympia Park on August 12.

BP also honoured 22 former soccer greats, most of whom played in the past Top Eight competitions in the early 1970s and late 1980s. With the third place play-off not part of the final weekend, the league and sponsors are likely to settle for a curtain raiser, which will feature stars of yesteryear.

The prize-money for the winners has also been increased to R1 million. Runners up will pocket a healthy R600 000 with the two losing semifinalists going home with R325 00.

There will be a player of the tournament award, which carries R15 000, and R5 000 each for the top goalscorer, goalkeeper of the competition and coach of the competition.

Full draw:


August 4/5


Orlando Pirates v SuperSport – FNB Stadium


Free State Stars v Sundowns – Gobble Park

August 11/12


Kaizer Chiefs v Ria Stars – Ellis Park


Jomo Cosmos v Santos – Olympia Park

NB: Kick-off times to be confirmed.