GIFT NDOLWANE
JOHANNESBURG – IF current form is anything to go by, this weekend’s Telkom Knockout final between Cape Town City and Supersport United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium will be a thriller.
Kickoff for the match featuring two sides occupying the top sports in the Absa Premiership is at 18h00 on Saturday.
Eric Tinkler’s City Boyz have been the surprise package of the season and almost halfway into the campaign occupy top spot.
A team that has managed to beat perennial contenders and African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits and secured draws against Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates, all four away, cannot be taken lightly.
Supersport are also garnering crucial results and the 6-1 thrashing of Pirates in November speaks volume about their threat.
Besides the teams’ standing on the 16-team league, the TKO final match has the makings of a thriller.
Supersport return to this venue that saw them lift the country’s premier cup competition in May.
The Pretoria side beat Pirates 3-2 in a thrilling final and would therefore be seeking to make it two cups in a row.
Tinkler was at the helm of Pirates during that loss to Supersport and will be eager to avenge that defeat suffered under English-born rival with Stuart Baxter.
Sponsors Telkom and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) are pulling all the stops to ensure that the final
becomes a festival.
A music concert, featuring some of the country’s hottest music talent, will be one of the main attractions for the public.
“This is not just football but an opportunity for the people of Limpopo to be part of the festivities on Saturday, 10 December,” says PSL acting Chief Executive, Mato Madlala.
“This year’s Telkom Knockout competition has dished out quality football on the field and it is only apt that we close
it in style,” she adds.
Telkom, the telecommunications company, is equally excited and anticipates great display of quality football.
“We aim to put together a grand finale of unlimited festivity and are working around the clock to ensure that fans have an unforgettable experience,” says Jacqui O’Sullivan, Telkom SA Group Executive: Communication and Brand Marketing.
Meanwhile, PSL security and the South African Police Service (SAPS) are expected to be in full force to curb fraudulent ticketing activities.
A number of suspects have recently been arrested at such events.
“The League, together with SAPS, is intensifying efforts to ensure that match venues remain crime-free zones,” Luxolo September, PSL spokesperson.
– Guardian