Posted in News on Oct 08, 2004.
These were the words of Celtic PRO Sello Nduna when he threw the first punch at a Press Conference held at the Vodacom Park media center. MEC for Sport & Recreation in the province of the Free State, Joe Mafereka had earlier expressed joy at the 'high calibre' games played in the city to boost the province's chances of hosting sporting events of international standards.
Speaking at the media briefing Mafereka said "I urge the community of the Free State and whole country to embrace the Macufe Cup and support our youngsters"
A message from the mayor of the City of Mangaung, Papi Mokoena was read: "This year's version will be most significant as it coi ncides with the 10 year Democracy celebrations. It is even more special as it also marks the beginning of the third term of our Democratic government and the return of our heroes "Masokolara" to the elite league. In line with our Economic Development, we encourage our visitors to take up accomodation in the townships, visit the cultural, historic and entertainment areas and truly enjoy the hospitality of the Mangaung community", he said.
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 as we march towards 2010", 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".
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", said a confident Nduna.
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.
Moseme said with the Macufe Cup growing by leaps and bounds, 'social investment programmes are an imperative part of the bigger picture and this year R30 000 will be donated towards sport development in the province as agreed with the office of MEC Mafareka. He thanked all sponsors, City of Mangaung, Castle Lager, Standard Bank, Motheo District Municipality and Lesedi FM for making this year's event a possibility.
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.
For more information please contact organisers, CEO of C-Squared Consumer Connectedness, Montsi Ben Moseme on 082 566 4711 or 051-444 4926/7
PUTCO MAFANI
Manager: Communications & PR
Tel: +2711 941 465
Fax: +2711 941 1538
Mobile: +2782 991 0977
