Since the inaugural tournament seven years ago Chiefs and Pirates have hosted various foreign teams and all of whom have been teams exclusively from the African continent, the 2006 Vodacom Challenge will see the face of the tournament take a dramatic new look.

In keeping inline with the countries preparation for the 2010 World Cup sponsors Vodacom have opted to bring a big name international club to play against, South African soccer giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Coming to our shores this July will be Manchester United probably the most successful club team in the world both on the field of play and in the marketing stakes.

Speaking at a press conference announcing the launch of the 2006 Vodacom Challenge on Tuesday at the Vodadome in Midrand, Vodacom Executive director Peter Matlare said “in order to allow us to be prepared for 2010 we need to prepare by playing games against big teams from around the world as well as growing the Challenge into a global show piece”.

Manchester United were represented by Sir Bobby Charlton a FIFA World Cup Winner in 1966 with England, and a former Manchester United legend who in an emotional address spoke with happiness about returning to South Africa. Charlton said, “The last time I was here we played against Kaizer Chiefs and I was captain of an international selection team more than twenty years ago and since than I have only had fond memories of this country, our club are very happy to be coming here in July."

Charlton speaking on behalf of the Manchester United board was delighted that the club was afforded the opportunity to play in South Africa and give their supporters here the opportunity to watch their team live in action.

The 2006 Vodacom Challenge will be contested in a different format to previous events, both Chiefs and Pirates will first play against the English giants, thereafter the two Soweto giants will play each other. The winner of this game will play Manchester United in the Final of the Vodacom Challenge on the 22nd July. Tickets for the games will go on sale on the 1st June nation wide.

2006 Vodacom Challenge Fixtures

Match 1

Saturday 15th July Orlando Pirates Vs Manchester United,

ABSA Stadium, Durban

Kick Off 15h00

Match 2

Tuesday 18th July Kaizer Chiefs Vs Manchester United

Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

Kick Off 20h00

Match 3

Thursday 20th July Orlando Pirates Vs Kaizer Chiefs

Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Rustenburg

Kick Off 20h00

Match 4 Final

Saturday 22nd July Manchester United Vs Winner Match 3

Loftus Versveld Stadium, Pretoria (Tshwane)

Kick Off 15h00