With Telkom the sponsors of the Telkom Knock Out Cup announcing a bouquet of prize money to be handed out to players for individual performances in the 2007 tournament, Chiefs defender Cyril Nzama believes that the sponsors have thrown down the gauntlet and it is now up to the players to do their bit to ensure that they can rake in the massive cash bonuses on offer.

At the draw for the ¼ Final stage of the competition Telkom spelt out that they will be adding an extra R 700 000 in prize money, specifically to reward players for their individual efforts in assisting their teams in being successful over the remaining matches as well keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. Nzama who will be taking on the 2006 Fifa World Cup Winners Italy when he turns out for Bafana Bafana against the defending world champions next week, has heralded the decision by the league and the organizers to hand out awards for the best player in each position.

Not forgotten

While defenders are often the hardest working players on the park Nzama believes they are often kept back when it comes to prize giving ceremonies, and he has welcomed the fact that the number one defender from this years Charity cup will pick up a prize of R100 000. Nzama added “it really pleases me to hear that a defender is guaranteed to walk away from this seasons Telkom Cup R 100 000 richer, these rewards on offer will make the guys work harder. Being successful is not about just the prize money the sponsors have thrown the bait and it is for us to grab it, it does help when an event wants the best for the fans coming to the stadium and those watching on television. All the guys will want a piece of the action and will be prepared to work hard for it, the final after all is in December and that is a month where you need to spend on your family and friends over the festive period so the extra cash could come in handy”.

Global audience

The Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender has a big date next Wednesday when South Africa travel to Italy to take on the World Champions in a friendly international match, Nzama was paid a special visit at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena on Monday by the international sports television show ESPN to discuss his upcoming bout with the Italians.

The interview conducted with Nzama will appear on Monday evening at midnight South African time on EPSN’S news programme Sports Centre, Chiefs fans wanting to catch a glimpse of Nzama on the highly rated programme can tune in to channel 230 on DSTV late Monday evening.

Dan John Williams of ESPN said of Nzama’s interview “we wanted to get an experienced Bafana Bafana players take on next weeks game with Italy, given Cyril’s experience with the national team we felt he was best placed to give us good insight as to what it would be like playing against the World Champions”.