Former Absa Premiership teams Thanda Royal Zulu and Bay United will meet in what promises to be a mouth-watering battle for one of the eight National First Division (NFD) spots for next year's Nedbank Cup.

The Nedbank Cup preliminary round draw was conducted at the PSL offices on Monday morning.

"From a League's point of view, the Nedbank Cup has afforded the opportunity to the smaller clubs to prove their worth and show to the rest of the country that they can compete with the bigger teams," said PSL CEO, Kjetil Siem.

He added: "I hope that the NFD teams can draw inspiration from Mpumalanga Black Aces and Pretoria University and once again challenge the bigger clubs all the way."

Andy Scott, head of Nedbank Group Sponsorships, said: "For the clubs and players participating in the first round it marks the beginning of another thrilling Nedbank Cup season. With a berth in last 32 on offer to the winners the reward for success is significant. Perhaps the start of yet another giant killing march to the final."

The matches will take place on 16 December 2009.

Venues and kick-off times will be confirmed by the Cup Committee within the next week.

The Nedbank Cup draw (Home teams first):

Thanda Royal Zulu v Bay United
Vasco da Gama v United FC
African Warriors v University of Pretoria
Dynamos v Nathi Lions
Ikapa Sporting v Batau FC
Black Leopards v Hanover Park
FC Cape Town v Witbank Spurs