Not long ago the result of a match between Santos and Kaizer Chiefs would have been a forgone conclusion and anything but a victory for the Amakhosi would have been a huge upset.

In those days, Santos started the season as relegation candidates, whilst Chiefs were the favourites for just about anything they played in.

But that was then. Santos has since added a number of accolades to their name including winning the PSL League. This team is now to be taken very seriously.

The one Cup that has however eluded The People's Team from Cape Town, is the Coca-Cola Cup and that is something that the club is hoping to change this year.

Santos captain Edries Burton is not too worried about facing Chiefs.

"It's the type of challenge that is sure to bring out the best out of players. It's a tough fixture, but the positive side is that, by beating Chiefs, we will improve our own chances of lifting the cup. We would have cleared a major hurdle."

Kaizer Chiefs is the only club that has appeared in three Coca-Cola Cup finals, winning in 2001 (against Jomo Cosmos), but losing last year against the same opponents and in the inaugural competition in 1992 against Clive Barker's AmaZulu.

Two years ago, the two teams met at the semi-final stage and Chiefs won a thrilling encounter 4-2, going on to beat Cosmos in the championship game.

Bafana goalkeeper Brian Baloyi, is aware of the difficult task that awaits Chiefs at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. "Santos will be a tough nut to crack in the Cape. But then again we have such a following there we will feel like the home team anyway."

Irrespective of whether or not they are Santos' or Chiefs' fans, one thing is certain, it is a win-win situation for all concerned as once again, the Coca-Cola Cup leads the way.

Senior Brand Manager of Coca-Cola, Godfrey Mbingo, says that there is one thing that distinguishes the Coca-Cola Cup.

"The Coca-Cola Cup would not be the Coca-Cola Cup if we didn't include something new every year. The past two seasons exceeded expectations and all agree that this competition is indeed 'ya chesa'.

"To keep it hot, we will continue to promote flair, goals, glamour,

entertainment and prizes - words now synonymous with the Coca-Cola Cup".

Coca-Cola will be inviting Ambassadors, such as Lyiso and Miss Soweto, Razia Mduli, and other Celebrities to select games to experience this sizzling hot competition first hand.

These 'generally interested' supporters do not often frequent soccer games, but follow the sport through the media.

"We want these people to come and witness sizzling hot action live," said Mbingo.

"They also have their followers and these celebrities are bound to entice even more South Africans into becoming active PSL Coca-Cola Cup supporters. Coca-Cola want to assist the PSL and clubs in bringing more people to the games."

Santos and Chiefs will both be attempting to aid charities through the 'Goals For Charity' programme. Teams scoring three or more goals in a game will earn R10 000. Half will go to the club and the other will be split between two Coca-Cola Charities, Hope Worldwide (AIDS awareness) and Starfish (AIDS orphans).

But the main action will be on the field of play and flair is encouraged and will be rewarded. For every televised game there will be a Coca-Cola Flair Moment of the Match award for the player who produced a moment of brilliance. He will receive a Jersey No 10 and R5 000.

THE FULL COCA-COLA CUP FIRST ROUND PROGRAMME:

Saturday, 4 October 2003


Athlone Stadium 15H15: Santos v Kaizer Chiefs

Sunday, 5 October 2003


Rand Stadium 15H15: Moroka Swallows vs Sundowns


Peter Mokaba Stadium 16H00: Silver Stars v SuperSport United

Wednesday, 15 October 2003


Newlands Stadium 18H30: Ajax Cape Town v Dynamos


Newlands Stadium 20H30: Hellenic v Jomo Cosmos

Saturday, 18 October 2003


Thohoyandou Stadium 16H00: Black Leopards v Wits University


King's Park Soccer Stadium 14H45: Golden Arrows v Zulu Royals

Sunday, 19 October 2003


Chatsworth Stadium 15H15: Manning Rangers v Orlando Pirates