In the 2006 Vodacom Challenge final, Kaizer Chiefs beat the Red Devils, as Manchester United are known, in a thrilling penalty shoot-out at the Loftus Stadium in Tshwane.
With Vodacom Challenge soccer action just weeks away, both Orlando Pirates coach Owen da Gama and Kaizer Chiefs’ mentor Muhsin Ertugral have expressed a sense of excitement at the prospect of guiding their teams through the pre-season phase that includes fixtures against a world-class club of the calibre of Manchester United.
Kaizer Chiefs’ recent Soweto Derby victory over Orlando Pirates proved that they have regained their rhythm and confidence which bodes well for the annual tournament.
Last year, London side Tottenham Hotspurs triumphed in the second year of the new-look Vodacom Challenge format, but both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will be on a mission to take the African soccer renaissance to new heights.
Computicket, Checkers, Checkers-Hyper and Shoprite outlets throughout the country are expected to be a hive of activity today, when the much-sought-after Vodacom Challenge match tickets go on sale.
The Vodacom Challenge schedule will kick-off with Kaizer Chiefs taking on Manchester United at the Newlands Stadium in the Western Cape on Saturday, 19 July.
Tickets for this match will be on sale at just R250 (west stand), R120 (north and south stands), R120 (east stand lower level) and R60 (east stand upper level).
The action will then move to the Absa Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, July 22 for the showdown between Orlando Pirates and the English visiting club, with tickets on sale at R250 (west and east stand lower level), R120 (north and south stands) and R60 (west and east stand upper level).
On Thursday, July 24, the EPRU stadium in the Eastern Cape will once again be the scene of the ‘Soweto Derby’ between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs to decide which team will qualify to play Manchester United in the final of this year’s tournament.
Last year’s Vodacom Challenge match was watched by more television viewers than any previous derby, a record for any SA soccer match. All stand tickets to the Derby in Port Elizabeth will go on sale at only R45 each.
The showpiece final is expected to be played in front of a sell-out crowd at the Loftus stadium in Gauteng, the Home of Champions on Saturday, July 26. Tickets for the grand finale in Tshwane will be on sale at R250 (west stand), R120 (north and south stands), R120 (east lower level stand) and R60 (east stand upper level).
“The ticket prices have been structured to allow all South African supporters to enjoy the Vodacom Challenge Soccer Experience,” said Brand De Villiers, CEO SAIL Group.
“Building on the successes of previous years we will once again adopt a reserve seating policy. Spectators are encouraged to get their tickets early to secure the best seat in the house. If supporters wish to sit together they are encouraged to purchase their tickets together.
No tickets will be sold at the stadiums on match day.
For all group bookings (9 tickets or more) supporters are urged to contact Computicket Corporate Bookings on (011) 340 8128.
Corporate hospitality packages are available from Circa Hospitality on 086 112 4722.
