Teams to participate in the tournament, which traditionally opens the ABSA Premiership League action, are voted for by their supporters and early this week, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic were front-runners to participate in the one-day competition.
The voting process began last Friday and closes at midnight on Sunday, August 1, with the top four teams going through to the giant stadium that opened and closed the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
With defensive Warriors midfielder, Tinashe Nengomasha having left them, Kaizer Chiefs will parade three Zimbabweans in the competition this year central defender Thomas Sweswe, full back Zhaimu Jambo and youthful striker Knowledge Musona, while arch-rivals Orlando Pirates will have defender Zvenyika Makonese.
Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns have in their ranks Warriors defensive midfielder, Esrom Nyandoro, newly-signed defensive link, Lionel Mtizwa and burly striker Nyasha Mushekwi, while Celtics are one of the few sides without a Zimbabwean in their ranks.
The tournament is usually used by clubs to gauge their strength in the new season and if Sundowns qualify as they usually do, Mutizwa and Mushekwi will be among the first group of Zimbabweans to play at the Soccer City, soon to be changed back to FNB stadium after the World Cup.
According to the Charity Trust chairperson, Leepile Taunyane this years tournament is expected to raise R5-million, proceeds of which will benefit about 50 charities in the country.
This is fewer than last year and we are hoping that they will get about R100 000 each, said Taunyane.
Pirates have dominated the competition of late, winning the past two editions of the season-opening tournament.
Fans can vote by sending an SMS, accompanied by their teams name to 34620.
Vote Line Numbers:
– Ajax Cape Town: 086 22 22 500
– AmaZulu: 086 22 22 501
– Bidvest Wits: 086 22 22 502
– Bloemfontein Celtic: 086 22 22 503
– Free State Stars: 086 22 22 504
– Golden Arrows: 086 22 22 505
– Kaizer Chiefs: 086 22 22 506
– Mamelodi Sundowns: 086 22 22 507
– Maritzburg United: 086 22 22 508
– Moroka Swallows: 086 22 22 509
– MP Black Aces: 086 22 22 510
– Orlando Pirates: 086 22 22 511
– Platinum Stars: 086 22 22 512
– Santos: 086 22 22 513
– SuperSport United: 086 22 22 514
– Vasco Da Gama: 086 22 22 515
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News