Kaizer Chiefs earned their place in the grand finale, by recording a resounding 2-0 win over Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby played in front of a capacity crowd at the EPRU stadium in Port Elizabeth last night.

Manchester United will be looking to win the Vodacom Challenge trophy for the first time, having been beaten in a penalty shoot-out by Kaizer Chiefs, in the final in Tshwane two years ago, and are expected to field a powerful line up of international stars, with the likes of strikers Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, midfielders Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves, and Michael Carrick, and defender Rio Ferdinand, all expected to play prominent roles.

Kaizer Chiefs will be looking for another explosive performance from Venezuelan international striker Jose Torrealba, while wingers Simphiwe Tshabalala and David Mathebula, will have important roles to play, in taking the ball forward. From a defensive perspective, Ghanaian international Jonathan Quartey has found a good understanding with tough tackling Burundian Valery Nhayo, and will be looking to provide support the their inspirational goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

All tickets for the match have been sold out and with the stadium gates to open at 11:00, supporters are also encouraged to make their way to the stadium early on match day. The first 30 000 persons to enter the stadium will each receive a complimentary Vodacom pantsula hat.

Inside the stadium, kwaito star Professor and Tzozo, DJ Cleo and DJ What What will be in action, as well as Ntando of Afro-pop fame.

To add to the generosity of the tournament Vodacom will be donating R50,000 for every goal scored in regulation time in an initiative dubbed “Goals for Miracles”. This sustainable campaign will continue to raise funds throughout the 2008/2009 Absa Premiership season for every goal scored by Vodacom-sponsored PSL clubs. The beneficiaries include the South African National Council for the Blind, the Pretoria Eye Institute’s Sight 4 U Cataract Project and the Netcare Vodacom Site for Life Programme.

Mthobi Tyamzashe, CEO of the Vodacom Foundation, says: “Vodacom’s cause-related marketing campaigns are playing a significant role in raising funds for and awareness of the needs of our disadvantaged South Africans. We trust that these campaigns will encourage our sporting public to also become involved in corporate citizenship for the benefit of our communities.”

Five goals were scored in the three Vodacom Challenge matches played so far in this year’s tournament, and Manchester United have come to the party to equal the amount of funds raised to ensure a double pay-out for the beneficiaries, meaning that an incredible half a million rand has been raised for this worthy initiative.

Among the gold and black-Kaizer Chiefs-clad and red-dressed Manchester United supporters, a mass of Blue Vodacom Yebo Stand winners will be enjoying the experience in true Vodacom style. Following the Greatest Supporter Experience competition, in the zone where 10 winners and their partners will be hosted in VIP style along with the 480 regional promotion winners on match day.

As part of the seating educational drive, PEP Stores will give away five home entertainment systems to five lucky persons who are seated in their correct seats according to the seat numbers on their tickets. Around 200 volunteers made possible by the Gauteng Province will be on duty to ensure the swift ushering of soccer fans to their correct seats.

The Vodacom Challenge has developed into a world-renowned brand event and we have devised a safety and security plan that will ensure the safety at the stadiums of all players, match officials, tournament officials, sponsors, VIPs and of course, the customers of the game in the form of the fans

Prohibited items such as fire arms, ammunition, knives, sharp-pointed metal objects, explosives, tear gas, narcotics or alcohol may not be brought into the stadiums. Supporters are reminded not to bring food or drink into the stadium but will be able to enjoy the varied refreshments available from the numerous vendors within the stadium precinct.

For the purpose of effective traffic and crowd management, there will be road closures around the stadiums. Spectators approaching booms at the outer perimeter of the stadium in vehicles will not be allowed into the traffic controlled zone if passengers are NOT in possession of a ticket.

Getting to the stadium on match day has been made easier through the involvement Vodacom Challenge partner Metrorail, who will be operating a number of services to and from the stadium on match day. There will also be parking facilities at railway stations for spectators opting to travel by train to the stadium.

Gauteng Provincial Government: MEC: Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture, Ms Barbara Creecy expressed her delight at the fact that the Vodacom Challenge final will be held in Gauteng for the third consecutive year.

“Hosting an event of the magnitude of the Vodacom Challenge in our province, aptly known as ‘The Home of Champions’, is a major boost for sport, as well as tourism, transport and other forms of business in the area,” said Creecy.

Africa’s leading steel supplier, Macsteel, a co-sponsor of the Vodacom Challenge, have also increased their stake on the soccer scene, by announcing that they will be donating hundreds of soccer goalposts to previously disadvantaged soccer academies and sports bodies throughout SA.

As promoter of the tournament SAIL is completely focused on providing a world class safe and secure family fun sports entertainment package. We would like to encourage fans to bring their wives and children along to enjoy a day of fun at the Vodacom Challenge. 

Building on from the successes of the tournament to date, Brand De Villiers CEO SAIL Group said ”The Vodacom Challenge is proof that as South Africans we are able to successfully host major events in the country. As the eyes of the football world are firmly set on South Africa we hope to further demonstrate our capabilities”. Through partnership with the SABC, the tournaments broadcast sponsor, the Vodacom Challenge will receive global exposure with live match coverage in over 35 countries.

For further information, please contact:
Maggie Sekoto (Forever Marketing)
Mobile: 082 902 3780

25 July 2008