Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic hit out at the Vodacom Challenge format ahead of his team's clash against rivals Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.
He said it was unfair for the two local teams to fight it out for a spot in the final while visitors Tottenham Hotspur received a free pass.
Spurs lost 1-0 to Amakhosi in the opening match of the tournament on Saturday and drew 1-1 with the Bucs on Tuesday night. On Saturday they face the winner of the Soweto derby at Ellis Park.
Vermezovic said Spurs should also fight for their spot in the final.
"It's not the right choice to have us fighting for a place in the final between ourselves. I think all the teams should fight for a place in the final," he complained.
Vermezovic also had a bash at the number of derbies being played between the two sides.
"The derby is something special, but this season could see us [Amakhosi and Bucs] playing each other six to eight times. That is not right for a derby - it could lose a lot from that," he said.
Nonetheless, the battle lines have been drawn for tonight's game, which will see last season's treble-winning Pirates hoping to continue their form from last season when they take on Chiefs at 8.15pm.
"We are only in the beginning stages of our preparations, but I have confidence in the quality of the previous season's squad and the newcomers who add to that quality. We expect a good, beautiful and entertaining game," said Bucs coach Julio Leal.
Vermezovic complimented the Buccaneers. "I watched their game with my technical team and we saw a very aggressive Pirates, especially in the opening 20 minutes."
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