Vodacom Challenge tickets are selling at Computicket, Checkers, Checkers-Hyper and Shoprite outlets nationwide, and tournament organisers have assured soccer fans that this year’s tournament involving Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Manchester United, will take place in a safe and secure environment.

While inaugural winners Orlando Pirates, four-time champions Kaizer Chiefs and European Champions League and English Premiership winners Manchester United display their soccer skills, SAIL risk management consultant Bob Nicholls from Nicholls Steyn and Associates said that over 500 security personnel will be deployed inside the stadium on match day to ensure an enjoyable, safe afternoon’s entertainment for all concerned.

A large number of officials from the SA Police Service, the host cities’ Metro police and emergency services will be on duty in the stadium precinct.

“The Vodacom Challenge has developed into a world-renowned brand event and we have devised a safety and security plan that will ensure the safety at the stadiums of all players, match officials, tournament officials, sponsors, VIPs and of course, the customers of the game in the form of the fans,” said Nicholls.

“The strategy will be delivered by a joint, multi-disciplined safety and security plan incorporating the SAPS, SAFA, PSL, SAIL and other key safety and security stakeholders.”

The security plan includes a three-tier strategy to ensure that persons without official match tickets will not be able to advance closer to the stadium on match day, while also ensuring that dangerous and other prohibited items will be confiscated from supporters, prior to entering the venue.

Prohibited items such as fire arms, ammunition, knives, sharp-pointed metal objects, explosives, tear gas, narcotics or alcohol may not be brought into the stadiums.

Closer to the match days, the tournament organisers will also announce the routes for ‘Park & Ride’ transportation to ensure less congestion near to the match venue.

The Vodacom Challenge schedule will kick-off with Kaizer Chiefs taking on Manchester United at the Newlands stadium in the Western Cape on Saturday, 19 July. Tickets for this match will be on sale at just R250 (west grandstand), R120 (north and south stands), R120 (east stand lower level) and R60 (east stand upper level).

The action will then move to the ABSA Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 22 July for the showdown between Orlando Pirates and the visiting English club, with tickets ticket on sale at R250 (west and east stand lower level), R120 (north and south stands) and R60 (west and east stand upper level).

On Thursday, 24 July, the EPRU stadium in the Eastern Cape will once again be the scene of the ‘Soweto Derby’ between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs to decide which team will qualify to play Manchester United in the final of this year’s tournament. Last year’s Vodacom Challenge match was watched by more television viewers than any previous derby, a record for any SA soccer match. All stand tickets to the Derby in Port Elizabeth will go on sale at only R45 each.

The showpiece final is expected to be played in front of a sell-out crowd at the Loftus stadium in Gauteng, the Home of Champions on Saturday, 26 July. Tickets for the grand finale in Tshwane will be on sale at R250 (west grand stand), R120 (north and south stands), R120 (east lower level stand) and R60 (east stand upper level).

Tickets are available at Computicket, Checkers, Checkers-Hyper and Shoprite outlets. “The ticket prices have been structured to allow all South African supporters to enjoy the Vodacom Challenge Soccer Experience,” said Brand De Villiers, CEO SAIL Group. Building on the successes of previous years we will once again adopt a reserve seating policy. Spectators are encouraged to get their tickets early to secure the best seat in the house. If supporters wish to sit together they are encouraged to purchase their tickets together.

No tickets will be sold at the stadiums on match day.

For all group bookings (9 tickets or more) supporters are urged to contact Computicket Corporate Bookings on (011) 340 8128, corporate hospitality packages are available from Circa Hospitality on 086 112 4722.

SUMMARY

19 July 2008; Kaizer Chiefs vs. Manchester United; 15:30; Newlands Stadium

West Stand R250


North and South Stand R120


East Stand Lower R120


East Stand Upper R60

22 July 2008; Orlando Pirates vs. Manchester United; 20:10; Absa Stadium


West and East Stand Lower R250


North and South Stand R120


West and East Stand Upper R60

24 July 2008; Orlando Pirates vs. Kaizer Chiefs; 20:10; EPRU Stadium


All Stand Tickets R45

26 July 2008; Winner of Derby vs. Manchester United; 15:30; Loftus Versfeld


West Stand R250


North and South Stand R120


East Stand Lower R120


East Stand Upper R60