Media Release Vodacom Challenge Soweto Derby takes over Port Elizabeth
PE, Wednesday, 20th July 2011 - Port Elizabeth will once again play host to the Soweto Derby in the 2011 Vodacom Challenge when Orlando Pirates FC meets Kaizer Chiefs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursday, July 21 (20h15 kick off).
It has become tradition for the Friendly City to stage the fixture, having done so every year since 2007. The match has huge significance over and above the great rivalry as it will provide the finalist to meet English Premiership Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's 2011 Vodacom Challenge decider at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg.
Matches between these two giants of the South African game have always been magnificent occasions, dating back to the first in 1970. The past 41 years has provided memorable clashes and some rich history in the Vodacom Challenge too.
In all the sides have met on six previous occasions in the competition, with Kaizer Chiefs edging the head-to-head with four wins to Orlando Pirates' two. The last time The Buccaneers beat Amakhosi in the Vodacom Challenge was in 2007, when they went on to meet, ironically, Tottenham Hotspur in the final of that year's competition.
Both sides have already met the North London club in 2011, with Kaizer Chiefs claiming a 1-0 victory at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last weekend.
Orlando Pirates FC then took on Tottenham Hotspur at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday and secured a deserved 1-1 draw after another hard-fought and entertaining encounter.
The Soweto sides have a huge following in the Eastern Cape and fans will turn out in droves to catch a rare glimpse of their heroes.
And what is more, fans will be coming to witness a game that in the past few Vodacom Challenges has had plenty of ‘edge'. This is no pre-season friendly.
"We've seen some tremendous football up to now, but for the two Soweto giants, this is the match that really counts because this is the point at which the Vodacom Challenge becomes competitive. It is up to all members of the Amakhosi and the Ghost to pack into the stadium and through sheer force of will, see your team into the final, for another crack at Spurs," says Romeo Kumalo, Vodacom SA: Chief Commercial Officer.
Tournament promoters SAIL are delighted to once again be bringing the Vodacom Challenge to Port Elizabeth and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
"The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium made its debut in the Vodacom Challenge in 2009, one of the first matches to be played at the newly-built FIFA World Cup Stadium. That was a cold and wet night, but the passion of the supporters and the noise they made in this stunning arena gave everybody a fabulous match day experience and we are sure the same will apply this year," says Jabu Mathibela, SAIL's Tournament Promotor.
"The people of Nelson Mandela Bay showed during the 2010 FIFA World Cup that we are passionate about football and it does not come bigger than hosting a Soweto Derby for us. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the country for this prestigious fixture and hope that they will take the time to enjoy everything that Nelson Mandela Bay, and the Eastern Cape as a whole, has to offer," says Eastern Cape Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department spokesperson Malehlohonolo Mlabateki.
Tournament sponsor Vodacom will be giving away 10 000 Vodacom Challenge t-shirts, 5 000 Vodacom Challenge beanies and 2 000 Vodacom branded cushions to those fans who arrive at the stadium early.
Supporters who arrive well ahead of the game will also be able to enjoy some fantastic entertainment, not least from club representatives Mickey Modisane (Orlando Pirates FC) and Thomas Gumede (Kaizer Chiefs), who will be stirring up the rivalry prior to kick-off.
Top South African artist Professor will be on hand to provide some vibes, as will the Drum Café and local group Pashasha Dance.
Tickets for the match are on sale at all Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper outlets nationwide, as well as these selected regional outlets: Pie City (Uitenhage/Tinarha), KFC, eNjoli (Kwazakhele), Ngqoko Tavern (New Brighton), Monde's Tavern (Motherwell) and Virgin Mobile (Greenacres Mall).
VIP Hospitality and Supporter Suite packages ranging from R1300 to R2800 are available for purchase through the SAIL office on 082 805 3150 or visit www.sail.co.za.
