Chiefs face Downs, Pirates get AmaZulu
Kaizer Chiefs will make a record 25th successive appearance in
the Telkom Charity Cup when they line up against big spending
Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League's annual pipe opener
at Soccer City on Saturday.
Amakhosi are the only side that have played in every Charity Cup
since its inception in 1985.
The Amakhosi-Downs semi-final kicks off at noon while holders
Orlando Pirates play AmaZulu in the other semi-final at 10am. The
two winners meet in the fin al at 5pm.
The four teams polled the most telephone votes via the public to
qualify for what will be the biggest Charity Cup in its 25-year
history.
Downs got 191 384 votes, AmaZulu surprised with the second
highest number of votes 124 372, Pirates were third with 113 989
and Chiefs fourth with 113 080 votes.
In making the draw at Soccer City on Tuesday the PSL said a
record 90 000 tickets had been sold. PSL official Zola Nkuta added
stadium management had come to the party with an extra 3 000 suite
tickets costing R450 each which are now on sale at Computicket and
Shoprite Checkers outlets.
All four clubs will parade new players signed in the off-season
on Saturday.
The Buccaneers are confident of making it three-in-a-row and
retaining the trophy.
Said Bucs spokesman Mickey Modisane: “We will be able to kill
two birds with one stone on the same day.
"This is an important event because not only are we contributing
to worthy causes, we get the opportunity to test our readiness
ahead of the new season in tough competitive conditions.”
Bucs will field their new signing against a new-look Usuthu such
as Patrick Malokase, Mark Mayambela, Clifford Ngobeni and Daine
Klate and a striker signed from Malawi.
Said Modisane: “We know with a new coach AmaZulu will be
difficult. It will be a test of character for our players in front
of 90 000 fans at Soccer City.
"But we will be ready.”
AmaZulu spokesman Philani Mabaso said new coach Manqoba Mngqithi
faced a tough baptism of fire but his new coach was up for the
challenge.
Mngqithi joined Usuthu from Golden Arrows in the off-season.
“Our new coach has signed a number of promising youngsters who
are under 22 years old and he said if we qualified he would blood
them.”
AmaZulu are the only side in the competition to have played at
the magnificent Soccer City. They were beaten 3-0 in the Nedbank
Cup final by BidVest Wits in May at the end of last season.
Said Mabaso: “Hopefully having played at Soccer City will help
us and this time we hope to come away winning.”
Both Chiefs and Downs will be unveiling new players this week.
Amakhosi will parade their new signing at their Naturena base on
Wednesday while Downs have seven new players and a new coach to
introduce to the media and their fans.
Said Downs spokesman Alex Shakoane: “We have signed some really
top class players from outside the country and a new coach who will
be named later this week. On the event we are delighted to play
Chiefs.
"Playing a big side like Chiefs means we do not have to motivate
players. We are more than ready.”
Amakhosi spokesman Thebe Mohatle said: “Bring them on. We are
already winners because by getting voted into the event we have
helped underprivileged people in our country.
"We also aim to shine on the field and while I am not
disrespecting AmaZulu, we would love to play Pirates in the final.”