‘CHIEFS, BUCS MUST PLAY,’ SAYS PSL

ORLANDO Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will play in the Charity Spectacular and the BP Top Eight competitions next season. The two South African soccer giants withdrew from the events following a R120-million sponsorship deal by cellular service provider Vodacom. The decision comes after a Premier Soccer League Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday at which Chiefs and Pirates’ withdrawal due to a sponsorship tussle by rival cellular companies MTN and Vodacom was discussed. The PSL decided that it is in the interest of local soccer if both teams will compete in both competitions. MTN’s sponsorship of the Charity Spectacular also appears very uncertain at this stage. The PSL’s Board issued three statements saying that the Charity Spectacular will go ahead as planned and on the scheduled date, and that the competition will go ahead even if no sponsor can be found. All clubs have committed themselves to take part in the competition. The BP Top Eight will go ahead with a commitment from the top eight clubs in South Africa to participate unconditionally.