19 October 2004

The R5.8-million Coca-Cola Cup kicks off on 20 October, with 15 Premier Soccer League teams looking to unseat Kaizer Chiefs, who are vying to become the first team to lift the trophy three times.

Pretoria outfit Mamelodi Sundowns face Soweto giants Orlando Pirates in the first round of the competition. Both teams looked sharp at the weekend, Pirates blasting Dynamos 3-0 and Sundowns thrashing Manning Rangers 5-1.

Another big showdown in the tournament will be that between Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows. Chiefs played to a 2-all draw with Bush Bucks at the weekend, and the Coca-Cola champions looked a bit rusty after being out of action for two weeks.

"The Coca-Cola Cup formula has been tried and tested and it works for us", said PSL CEO Trevor Phillips. "It's good to know that we have support and commitment of such a big brand."

Besides the R5.8-million in prize money for the teams, the Coca-Cola Cup also offers incentives for the fans, administrators, referees, club officials and the media.

"The Coca-Cola Cup is about entertainment, bringing people together, youthfulness, leadership, optimism and upliftment rounded up in one word - flair", said Coca-Cola Southern Africa marketing manager Firoze Bhorat.

The sponsors have signed a deal with Johannesburg's Metrobus to ferry fans to the stadiums for free. Every fan who attends a Cup match will receive a free Coca-Cola.

And for every goal scored in the tournament, R10 000 will be donated to non-profit organisations to help HIV/Aids orphanages.

"We have identified six organisations, and in consultation with them we are going to fund their most critical needs", said Coca-Cola brand manager Godfrey Mbingo.

The full draw

	Super-passionate Kaizer Chiefs fans

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	Premier Soccer League

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