The absence of Orlando Pirates in last year’s Telkom Charity Cup competition killed the thrill of the one-day event.
But the Buccaneers are certain of participation in this year’s event and a derby against historic rivals Kaizer Chiefs could wipe out those sad memories.
Participation in the Charity Cup is determined by votes of the public. Sundowns at present boasts a massive 67 655 votes, Chiefs are second with 47 786 and Pirates are third with 43 368. Leopards have so far attracted 36 917 votes.
Dynamos, who overtook Pirates in the vote a few days before the deadline, are completely out, having received only 906 votes.
The closing date for the vote is midnight on Friday and the draw between the four clubs with the most votes will be conducted at a media briefing next Monday.
The popular soccer showpiece, which energises soccer fans’ passion, loyalty and enthusiasm, will be staged at the FNB Stadium on July 31.
But derbies between Pirates and Chiefs always give the paying public their money’s worth.
This year’s event could clear the dark cloud hovering above local football. Several club officials and top referees have been arrested in connection with alleged match-fixing, corruption and bribery.
This has grossly tainted the image of South African football and could be the reason behind the low number of votes for the Telkom Charity Cup.
The organisers of the event, which aims to help the disadvantaged, expect an improvement on previous years.
Chiefs are the defending champions. They beat Sundowns 1-0 at the FNB Stadium, near Soweto.
The black-and-gold outfit will also be looking to redeem themselves, not only for failing to win the new Vodacom Challenge Cup against AS Vita from the Democratic Republic of Congo last weekend, but also for their general below-par showing.
Their game was a total bore and the attendance was poor.
Fans were charged R50 and those who made it to the stadium were grossly disappointed.
The perfect medicine to remedy this sickening scenario could be a derby in the Telkom Charity Cup.
Derbies between Pirates and Chiefs have always generated much interest in this event for the past 19 years.
These two popular South African clubs have always participated in the event since its inception in 1985 — courtesy of the loyalty of their die-hard fans. — Sapa