Is the Vodacom Cup losing its shine?

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday July 28, 2009 00:00

When the Vodacom Challenge started 10 years ago, it used to feature South African sides, Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, and two other clubs drawn from African countries. The inclusion of one English club however changed the whole format. The featured English team automatically plays in the final even if it loses to both Pirates and Chiefs. The winner of the derby between Chiefs and Pirates meets the featured team in the final.

Manchester City have become the second English club to participate in the cup after their city rivals, Manchester United came to South Africa twice. Their arrival was eagerly awaited especially after their big name signings this year. England midfielder, Gareth Barry joined from Aston Villa, Carlos Tevez joined from Manchester United while Emmanuel Adebayor crossed from Arsenal.

Although South African football is showing great improvement both at national and club level, there are doubts as to whether City took the competition seriously. Their entire performance in the tournament was below par.

They were beaten 2-0 by Orlando Pirates in their first game and narrowly defeated Chiefs 1-0 in the second. With Robinho and Adebayor back in the team for the final, it was expected that City will complete their double over Chiefs but it was not to be. The young Chiefs' players gave their opponents no respect and won 1-0. Jeffrey Ntuka's effort in the first half was enough for the Soweto giants to win one of the most prestigious pre-season tournaments in South Africa.

Adebayor made his debut but was tightly closed down by Chiefs defenders. Robinho came on as a second half substitute and showed glimpses of his Confederations Cup display but faded towards the end of the game as Chiefs gained more confidence. City coach, Mark Hughes however will take solace in the fact that it is only the pre-season and most of his new signings are still to gel. Overall, the tournament was a success. All the games drew good crowds and criminal elements did not spoil the event.

South Africans deserve a pat on the back, having learnt something from hosting the Confederations Cup. In the final, most of spectators had long entered the stadium and taken their seats by kick-off time. South African supporters remain one of the most passionate in the continent especially in club football and this was evidenced by the attendance of Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic supporters in the final to rally behind Chiefs.