Posted in News on Oct 05, 2004.
Still reeling from the shock of the SAA Supa 8 defeat at the hands of Supersport Utd in Durban, Amakhosi meet Celtic in a game which Celtic views as a 'dressed rehearsal' for their upcoming clash with Orlando Pirates.
Speaking from his offices in Bloemfontein, Montsi Ben Moseme, Chief Executive Officer of C-Squared Consumer Connectedness, the company organizing the event said, he was delighted Chiefs are participating.
"We could not have asked for a better side to come and play Celtic, particularly that Chiefs are the defending champions of the Macufe Cup, and with sport, the Macufe Festival goers will surely get a complete package of quality entertainment, ranging from jazz, cultural activities and this game always attracting the loudest and most passionate soccer crowds in the country," said Moseme.
He said the success of the Macufe Cup is inline with the City of Mangaung's vision of showcasing the city's facilities and football culture, as one of the hot spots of soccer for the coming Fifa World Cup 2010.
"Our sports advertising and marketing division aims to promote and market the Free State province as an ideal destination for sports and entertainment and therefore looks forward to such challenges of succesfully organizing events of highest regard like the Macufe Cup," he said.
Kaizer Chiefs Communications Manager Putco Mafani said although some of their players would be out doing national duty it was imperative that his club plays competitive football following the SAA Supa 8.
"We are excited about the prospects of defending the Macufe Cup and are grateful to the City of Mangaung for the professional working relationship. All players not involved in the coming qualifying games will be in Bloemfontein to defend the cup and restore the dignity of the mighty Amakhosi. It's a pity it will happen at the expense of Celtic on their home soil but we also know it won't be smooth sailing as Cetic have a couple of things to prove," said Mafani.
Chiefs will rely on the expertise of star players like John Shoes Mosheou, Thabo Mooki, Arthur Zwane, Scara Ngobese and others to give a good account of themselves with this year's Macufe Cup.
Reacting on behalf Bloemfontein Celtic, club PRO Sello Nduna said they felt blessed and honored at being part of the event. "We intend using this game to prepare for our coming fixture against Orlando Pirates when we travel to Ellis Park stadium on Wednesday, 13th October 2004. The 2004 Macufe Cup belongs to Celtic and we are going to claim back what is rightfully ours! I am asking all Celtic fans to buy their tickets on time and arrive early at the stadium."
There will be plenty entertainment on the day as part of the proceedings with gates opening at 10H30 music will rock the rafters of the Vodacom Park stadium as early as 11 o'clock when DJ Sefate plays dance tunes, followed by Nateaze, Doc Shebeleza and MDU Masilela. Curtain Raisers will be played at 12H30 between Roses Utd and Welkom Stars in an official Mvela Golden League game.
Tickets are available at the Celtic Offices, Kenworth Spar, Living Stone Bottle Store, Telewise (Heidedal) and at PACOFS. Prices range from R30-00 grand stand, R20-00 open stand and R10-00 juveniles.
Chiefs will miss Rowen Fernandez, Sphiwe Mkhonza and Cyril Nzama who will play for South Africa against Ghana while Tenashe Nengomasha, Kabamba Musasa, Patrick Mabedi and Collins Mbesuma will also do duty for their countries.
NB: For more information please contact organisers, CEO of C-Squared Consumer Connectedness, Montsi Ben Moseme on 082 566 4711 or 051-444 4926/7
