TELKOM last night announced that it had renewed its sponsorship with the Premier Soccer League for a further five years.

Details of the agreement were not revealed.

Minutes before the draw for the 16-team Telkom Knockout in Melrose, northern Johannesburg, managing director Manelisa Mavuso made the announcement. The telecommunications giant is one of four companies linked with the PSL that recommitted after the sponsorship deal had expired in December.

Absa and MTN both renewed in August. Nedbank, sponsors of Nedbank Cup, are likely to extend their deal with the PSL before February when the cup is scheduled.

The Telkom Knockout will kick off later this month, with match venues and times to be confirmed by the PSL cup committee.

Last night, the top eight from the 2011-12 season were seeded, meaning defending champions Orlando Pirates would be able to avoid rivals Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows.

The Buccaneers will start their title defence away from home against Black Leopards, an encounter set to be played at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane.

Moroka Swallows travel to Maritzburg United. Chiefs face a tricky Wits, whom they trounced 3-1 in a premiership match last month.

Struggling Sundowns will be involved in a Tshwane derby when they take on AmaTuks.

The full draw:

Chippa United vs Bloemfontein Celtic;

Free State Stars vs Golden Arrows;

Ajax CT vs Supersport United;

Wits vs Chiefs;

Leopards vs Pirates;

AmaZulu vs Platinum Stars;

Maritzburg vs Swallows; and

Sundowns vs AmaTuks.