OR Tambo Focus

13 November 2011

Teams: Bloemfontein Celtic, Orlando Pirates, Platinum Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Phokeng .

Times: Celtic v Pirates - 10h00, Stars v Sundowns - 13h00 and Final - 16h00.

With the FIFA international break calling a halt to the PSL games, the OR Tambo Challenge will see four of South Africa’s top teams battling it out to win the trophy dedicated to the former ANC president, Oliver Tambo.

The first game will see Bloemfontein Celtic take on Telkom Knockout semi-finalists, Orlando Pirates. Celtic have suffered an indifferent start to the season this campaign but came from behind to beat Jomo Cosmos 3-1 in their last Absa Premiership game. Phunya Sele Sele coach, Clinton Larsen, is keen to give some of the fringe players in his squad a chance to prove their worth. 

He explained, “There’s quite a few that haven’t had game time. Some signed from the Vodacom and this will give them an opportunity, they’ve been knocking on the door, this will give them a chance against quality opposition. Also the new signing, (Ezenwa) Otorogu, it’ll be a chance for him. The pressure will be on the boys to win, I’m sure they’ll do well.”

Pirates will no doubt use the tournament as a chance to give their youngsters a chance to impress but general confidence will be high after their 2-1 Telkom win against Moroka Swallows.

Bucs spokesperson, Mickey Modisane, insists that the game is not just for the youth. He said, “The match is not only for the youngsters to get a run out. We have a lot of players away for the international break. The other players now have an opportunity once more to demonstrate to the fans that they’re here based on their skills. That they belong here and aren’t here by chance. We’re having Celtic for breakfast.” 

The second game, between Platinum Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns, will see a direct repeat of a match played on the 2nd of November, which ended up with both sides taking a point in a 0-0 draw.

Since then Platinum Stars have played in the Telkom Knockout, losing out to Santos after a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals. Dinaledi coach Owen da Gama has insisted that, while it is only a friendly tournament, his team are taking it seriously. 

He told the crew, “It’s a very important tournament. The boys have been working hard, some have been relieved for national duty but that’s alright. It’s very important for us to play well and it’s a nice opportunity for us to try and cut out mistakes.” 

Meanwhile, the Brazilians will be keen to use the international break to afford some of their fringe players the opportunity to stake their claim in the absence of players such as Katlego Mphela.

Clayton Daniels, who is still undergoing his rehabilitation and won’t take part in the tournament, said, “The guys are training hard, there are a lot of youngsters and it gives them a chance to play at a higher level. It’s the perfect opportunity for others to get some game time under their belts.” 

The overall winner of the tournament will be determined when the two victors of the first games go head-to-head in the final at 16h00.

The tournament is the inaugural one, of what is to become an annual competition that intends to raise money for the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation.