Mamelodi Sundowns have proven wrong the notion that Kaizer Chiefs attract more fans than any other local club.
In fact AmaKhosi, as the glamour boys from Phefeni are affectionately known, have always been seen as the second-biggest club to Al Ahly of Egypt in Africa when it comes to supporters.
But the Chloorkop-based Downs, who are owned by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe, have left South Africans gaping in disbelief with 35 532 votes for participation in the annual Telkom Charity Cup, which is scheduled for the FNB Stadium on July 31.
Chiefs, who beat Downs in last year’s final, lie second with 24 697 votes.
The gap between these two top clubs is 10 835 votes.
The FNB Stadium, which has always been the venue for this most popular one-day soccer showpiece, can accommodate almost 70 000 people. But it could be too small for this year’s event if all the loyal supporters of the four most voted clubs make it to soccer city.
The closing date for the votes is midnight on Friday July 23.
Orlando Pirates, who failed to appear in last year’s event, are third with 23 265 votes, with Black Leopards breathing down their necks in the fourth position with 20 069 votes.
Moroka Swallows have steadily improved to 8 134 votes with Dynamos and Silver Stars battling it out at fifth and sixth spots with 496 and 409 respectively.
But only the four clubs with the most votes will participate in the event, which teams use as the platform to parade their new signings. — Sapa