Telkom Charity Cup time again

It’s Telkom Charity Cup time again where Absa Premiership teams, as voted for by their supporters, will take part in a four-team, one-day tournament in the name of charity. But don’t be fooled by the word charity, when the teams take the field they are not charitable at all. It becomes an all-out battle for top honours.

The four teams — Mamelodi Sundowns, Amazulu, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs (taking part for the 25th time) — will use this tournament for various reasons, including showing off their new signings, as well as to gauge how far they are with their preparations for the upcoming premiership season.

Amazulu, now under the guidance of former Lamontville Golden Arrows mentor Manqoba Mngqithi, will face defending champions Orlando Pirates in the first semi-final. This will be a great match for the Usuthu players to impress their new coach before the season begins. It will also be an opportunity for the coach to try and win the hearts and support of the Amazulu fans, doing it against a power house like Pirates will make the reward even sweeter.

Orlando Pirates will also use this tournament as an opportunity to unleash their new signings, which include the highly rated and talented duo of Daine Klaite and Mike Mayambela. The prospect of an early derby with Amakhosi or an always exciting match against Sundowns will be enough motivation for the Bucs to try and do away with Amazulu, but believe me, it will be tough.

The second semi-final, a mouth-watering clash between strong rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns is sure to keep the fans on the edges of their seats. Amakhosi usually have the upper hand over the Brazilians when it comes to cup competition, so the Sundowns players will want to change that in front of a capacity crowd at Soccer City. Sundowns will have a new coach plus a few new signings, so the players will perform to their best ability to try and stake a claim in the team’s starting line-up come the new season. It’s also a great chance for the Brazilians to win some silverware, even though it’s just a pre-season tournament.

Kaizer Chiefs have a vibrant squad of young talented players with a few wise heads to add some much-needed experience. Should Pirates beat Amazulu in the first game, Chiefs will be even more determined to win against Sundowns to set up a final against their arch-rivals. The Sundowns/Chiefs game has all the ingredients to make it a cracker of a game, hopefully it won’t disappoint.

The tickets have sold out faster than big mamas hot vetkoeks in the morning, the teams are ready for battle, I have a feeling that it’s going to be a good day, all in the name of charity and exciting football.

May the best team win.