Stage set for SA Charity Cup

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday August 3, 2007 00:00

The tournament, which will feature Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Platinum Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic, will be played tomorrow. In the first game, Stars face unpredictable Celtic at 10am, with undoubtedly match of the day between Pirates and Chiefs following at midday. The final is expected to be played at 5pm. Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will not be participating in this tournament because of their involvement in the CAF Confederations tie away to FC Safxien of Tunisia tomorrow night.

Stars are favourites to beat Celtic in the opening game. Stars who have just been bought by Bafokeng nation will be using Mmabatho Stadium as their home ground and it is expected that people of the North-West will come in large numbers to rally behind their team. Stars are expected to give debut to former Pirates' striker Phumudzo Manenzhe who completed his move from BidVest Wits yesterday. He is expected to partner Simba Marumo upfront.

But this does not mean Celtic can be ruled out. They are capable of causing an upset buoyed by their vociferous supporters. Coach Khabo Zondo knows that nothing less than victory will impress his supporters.

By yesterday, all the four teams were oozing with confidence that they stand a chance of winning the one-day spectacular. Chiefs announced the signing of hard-tackling defender Mokete Tsotetsi from Jomo Cosmos. Tsotetsi is expected to bring stability to the Chiefs' central defence, which has been a cause of concern during the pre-season tournaments. On the other hand, Pirates surprised many people when they snatched the signature of rising star Teko Modise from Supersport United. Modise was linked with a move to Sundowns but Pirates came into the picture when least expected.