Posted in News on Jan 05, 2011.
Dubbed the “first battle of 2011” both teams hope to entertain a capacity crowd in a bid to quench the festive football thirst since the two recorded different results in December of 2010. With Sundowns suffering defeat at the hands of Amazulu FC, and Chiefs cruising to a comfortable two match win against Bidvest Wits and Black Aces respectively, the epic battle promises a humdinger that is likely to determine the direction of the race for the beautiful ABSA silverware.
Chiefs began its preparations by cutting players from the festive frills through a stringent training programme in a show of a determination to overcome their guests. Elated to see his charges back in training, Football Manager Bobby Motaung said; “It is encouraging to see players challenging for the premier trophy that has been illusive for the past five years. Sundowns must be prepared for a full-scale battle if they hope to upset our plans. I am certain that we shall continue to put a smile on the faces of our supporters in a manner similar to that of December 2010.”
Sundowns enters the fray with a four point margin ahead of Kaizer Chiefs; a fact enough to motivate the hosts to stage a no-holds-barred combat that is destined to ignite a tumultuous reception at the gigantic melting pot of South African football.
The club will also part ways with David Mathebula and Thabang Rooi who have been loaned to Mpumalanga Black Aces for the remainder of the season. The amakhosi has also invited two central defender trialists including the towering Nathan Koo-Boothe from England and Kpwedje Olympe Gantin from Benin, West Africa.
With tickets sales flying out of the shelves at R40 for adults and R10 for children, the Marketing Department has also stretched its resources by staging road-shows that will garner support in Sundowns’ stronghold of Mamelodi and Sammy Marks Square in the centre of Tshwane. Director of Marketing; Jessica Motaung exclaimed “It is important to take our brand to the people to express our appreciation of their infinite support. The road shows also give us an opportunity to learn more about their expectations so that we can in turn sharpen our approaches that will benefit us holistically.”
The Amakhosi Supporters Club will also attend to the supporters’ queries on the Southern side of the Stadium whilst a variety of authentic Kaizer Chiefs merchandize will be on sale from Friday at the clubs’ headquarters in Naturena.
Gates will open at 11:00am for a 15:30 afternoon kickoff that boasts a variety of entertainment headed by Winnie Khumalo and Lloyd of the recent Idols Fame. Exotic dancers and Vodacoms’ Push-I-Passion parade will add to the fun.
