In A draw held at the Monte Casino in Johannesburg, Chiefs, who lost 1-0 to Lupopo in last year's final, will have a chance to reverse the score when they take on the latter in the first semifinal at the Mmabatho Stadium in Mafikeng on June 29.

Lupopo became the first team from outside of South Africa to win the Vodacom Challenge, which then precipitated their first league title at home in more than a decade.

Meanwhile, Pirates will entertain Mazembe in the second semifinal at the same venue and once the revenge will be on the cards as Pirates will be out to avenge the Caf Champions League defeat at the hands of TP Mazembe two years ago.

With the total prize money of R2 million and R1 million for the winners, the Buccaneers chairman Irvin Khoza believes the visitors will see a different Pirates from the one that lost 4-3 on penalties to FC Lupopo in the last year’s competition.

"We at Pirates have great respect for both clubs, but they will both admit after seeing us in action, that Pirates have improved significantly in all aspects since the last time we played the," said Khoza.

Meanwhile, Chiefs managing director Kaizer Motaung said that Amakhosi have always featured prominently in the Vodacom Challenge and that Chiefs fans will get an early opportunity to see their favourite players, plus some new faces in the Chiefs colours.

"The lucrative prize money on offer will have all four teams striving to produce the highest level of football this pre-season, but Chiefs are known to deliver when it matters most, and I think that with a winner's cheque of R1 million up for grabs, this is a very good time to deliver," said Motaung.

As if a football derby and double header rolled into one is not enough for the fans, Vodacom's partner Smartcall will distribute R6,4 million worth of Smartcall Vodago packs to those fans that arrive early at the stadium.

The 30 000 Vodago Smartcall air time vouchers valued at R200 each, will be distributed at the two venues, encouraging football fans to come to the Vodacom Challenge games early.

The Draw (semifinals)

Sunday, June 29 (Mmabatho Stadium, Mafikeng)


Chiefs v FC Lupopo


Pirates v TP Mazembe