King's Charity Cup Preview
Durban, September 6 (King's Charity Cup) – Thanda Royal Zulu prepare for the first ever inaugural King’s Charity Cup. The tournament will be hosted at the Absa Stadium in Durban on Sunday the 7th of September. Not only is this tournament supported by the King, His Majesty Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, it is also an active attempt to raise money for the local charities supported by the monarch in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The draw of the tournament sees the two local teams – Thanda Royal Zulu play Amazulu in one leg of the semi-finals whilst the two Gauteng teams, Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns battle it out in the other semi-final. In a sense, it is north versus south. The southern derby promises to be a heated clash in the pursuit of winning the Zulu people’s respect and loyalty in the local region.
The tournament is timed perfectly for the clubs involved since it falls on a Fifa sanctioned weekend where the local league is interrupted, leaving room for qualification matches to be played for the up and coming African Nations Cup in Angola 2010. For Thanda, the tournament is a good chance to keep the rhythm flowing following their stunning season opener, with a shock win over Keizer Chiefs.
Amazulu enter the weekend following a 1-0 home defeat against Platinum Stars, whilst Wits and Sundowns both started the season on a winning note.
There is little doubt that the tournament has drawn a lot of attention and that the teams involved are doing a terrific job supporting the Monarch’s charitable organizations in an attempt to help the less fortunate in various areas in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The teams involved are truly playing from their hearts and assuming their social responsibility since all four teams have agreed to part take without the typical appearance fee.
While this may well be a charitable tournament, Thanda is aiming for the trophy, putting forth their strongest team. The spirit seems to be similar amongst the other three teams which should ensure a competitive and entertaining tournament.