The opening Soweto Derby of the 2013/14 Premier Soccer League season is almost upon us and Vodacom has been hard at work bringing the Amakhosi faithful together for what promises to be a day of excitement and high drama.

Throughout the build up to Saturday afternoon’s eagerly anticipated clash against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium - the 151st encounter of this enthralling rivalry – Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs have travelled to Phumulani Mall in Tembisa, NWU Vaal Campus, the Duduza Mall in Springs and will conclude the journey to the Derby at the KC Village in Naturena tomorrow. The road shows were conducted to give Chiefs fans an opportunity to congregate informally as a build up to the upcoming game, meet some of their favourite players, win some fantastic prizes and generally create a Happy mood for the occasion.

“Vodacom has enjoyed a long and Happy relationship with Kaizer Chiefs over many years through good times and bad but always with the aim of assisting this great Club in bringing happiness to their legions of loyal supporters,” said Rowen Gangulu, Vodacom’s sponsorship manager. “The excellent attendances at the various road shows are a clear indication of the passion and dedication of these wonderful fans, which is something Vodacom is always keen to nurture and cultivate. On that note, we encourage all fans coming to the game to pay very close attention at halftime because Vodacom will make them even happier during the interval.”

In fact, fans will be equally happy prior to kickoff because Vodacom’s ever-popular ‘human foosball’ court will be set up within the stadium precinct, along with the ‘penalty shot’ inflatable goals for fans to entertain themselves and perhaps, ease the nerves a little as the tension mounts in the countdown to the starting whistle . Vodacom brand ambassadors will also be at hand to offer information and recommendations on some of Vodacom’s attractive value added services.

Kaizer Chiefs’ marketing director, Jessica Motaung added, “We really appreciate the sterling efforts of our valued partners, Vodacom, in organising these get-togethers in order to build up what we expect to be a phenomenal atmosphere, full of happy and smiling Amakhosi supporters. The energy of the crowd has a big influence on the occasion and judging by the fantastic response of our followers to these initiatives, it is obvious Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs know how to reach the people and bring out the best in them.

As innovation is key to Kaizer Chiefs and Vodacom, we would like to ensure we are first with bringing exciting products to our fans, This week, Kaizer Chiefs fans will be introduced to the multiple benefits of our new Kaizer Chiefs starter packs, which contain multiple benefits for customers and will ensure that they Connect 4 Life!

KC Mobile will harness Vodacom’s mobile expertise and the passion of Kaizer Chiefs fans. It will bring great value and experiences to KC Fans and will be a platform that will give fans access to the world of Kaizer Chiefs supported by Vodacom products and exclusive digital content and promotions. The offer extends to all Vodacom's worry free prepaid solutions and exclusive in depth club related content, experiences, products and services to engage Kaizer Chiefs fans. Kaizer Chiefs Mobile will later introduce postpaid telephony solutions. Vodacom Kaizer Chiefs starterpack will initially be available at all Glocell outlets nationwide and Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena Johannesburg. In time the starterpacks will also be available at other retail outlets as well as Kaizer Chiefs selected outlets.

This is a first in the history of football for the mobile giant to partner with a football brand to launch this type of value added product as part of winning on and off the field of play. As seen, last week we launched the Kaizer Chiefs Centre of Excellence in partnership with the Vaal campus of the North West University.

In order to promote the Derby further, the KC retail store is running an exciting promotion this week, in which fans purchasing the club’s home jersey will receive a free match ticket to attend the Soweto Derby on Saturday. This offer is while stock lasts.”

The match kickoff is at 15h30 on Saturday, 26 October 2013, at the FNB Stadium in Soweto. Once again, fans are urged to make their way to the venue and be on their seats as early as possible in order to take advantage of the tremendous entertainment from the onset. There will be a halftime activation.