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Vodacom Group

Pirates and Sundowns Push iPassion to occupy the top spot on the log

Thursday, 10 February 2011

The Orlando Stadium will be titillating with excitement and anticipation when Orlando Pirates entertain Mamelodi Sundowns in a potential ‘classic' on Saturday evening, in a match that might well have a telling influence on the 2010/11 PSL title race.

Pirates' Dutch coach, Ruud Krol, has engineered a remarkable upward surge in the Buccaneers' fortunes, taking to the top of the log on the back of a five-match winning streak, earning him the latest PSL Coach-of-the-Month award.  A legendary defender in his day, Krol has forged a solid unit, based on a miserly defence and swift, incisive passing from midfield to attack, which has proved fatal to opposition and has instilled a sense belief in the fans that their long wait for a league championship could soon be over.

The back four have been the bedrock of the team, keeping seven clean sheets in the past 11 games, while the midfield form of Isaac Chansa, Andile Jali and Mark Mayambela has provided a combination of steel and creativity, as well as some important goals. Up front, Katlego Mashego has weighed in with a few crucial strikes and flying winger Tlou Segolela has struck fear in the hearts of full backs across the country, while Malawian forward Chiukepo Msowoya has shown the potential to become a major star in the PSL. The Sea Robbers go into the fray brimming with confidence and a firm conviction that victory will keep them on course for the title, while simultaneously severely denting Sundowns' hopes of glory.

The match could also see the return of Teko Modise, once a Bucs favourite but now operating out of the opponents'  camp, only three weeks after leaving the club where he made his name. He is sure to receive a vociferous ‘welcome' should he run out on his former home ground. The Brazilians have endured a rather unsettling fortnight, which has seen their Spanish coach, Antonio Lopez Habas resign, and Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela refusing to turn out for the club with whom he only recently signed a four-year contract extension. However, their form on the pitch has kept them in the race and striker Nyasha Mushekwi's goals have made light of Mphela's absence.

"Through a process of dogged determination, self-belief and unwavering support, Pirates have charged to the top of the league standings but this is a massive game in the context of the title race," said Vodacom's Managing Executive: Marketing, Enzo Scarcella.

"It is an opportunity for ‘The Ghost' to demonstrate their influence by streaming into their home ‘fortress' and creating an atmosphere that will send a message to their challengers that says: ‘We are Pushing iPassion to the next level!' Vodacom, as always, will be at the centre of the action, driving the Push iPassion campaign with activities to whip up a wave of passionate support for the Buccaneers ahead of the kick off."

 The now-famous Gig Rig will be the central attraction of the Vodacom Push iPassion Road Show, appearing with DJs and MCs at Pan African Mall Alexedra at 11h00 on Thursday, where fans and members of the public will be able to meet some of their favourite players for a chat and a photo, as well as win prizes in the form of T-shirts, caps and other Pirates paraphernalia. In addition, Vodacom have made available authorised agents to educate people about MPESA and assist in facilitating easy registration for RICA. This service will also be available inside the stadium prior to the match.

On Friday, the Road Show moves to Ghandi Square between 11h00-16h00 to continue the build-up to the top-of-the-table clash.

Inside the stadium, Vodacom will be acknowledging the efforts of those fans that have taken supporting to the next level, epitomising the spirit of Push iPassion, by giving away further prizes to the most impressive candidates.

Fans are encouraged to get to the stadium early to cultivate the atmosphere before the scheduled 20h15 kick off time.



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