The Vodacom Challenge Soweto Derby battlelines have been drawn and the stakes are high ahead of tomorrow’s showdown between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth (20h15 kickoff).

Chiefs strikers Jose Torrealba and Kaizer Motaung Jr netted the goals that saw the Amakhosi emerge 2-0 winners in last year’s Vodacom Challenge fixture, but the supporters of the gold and black-clad team will need little reminding that Pirates went on to register home and away wins over the men from Naturena in the League campaign – the first time in history they had done so.

But history and statistics mean little when it comes to the greatest South African derby of them all.

The winner claims the ultimate prize – the chance to take on Manchester City in Saturday’s final at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane (15h00 kickoff).

For Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic and his Pirates counterpart Rudi Krol, the match is a must-win ahead of the new PSL season.

Goals scored in Soweto derbies usually have an aura of clinical finishing about them. Soccer fans could well see some of those Vodacom Challenge magical moments, which will mean further money going the way of the Vodacom Foundation’s Goals For Miracles initiative.

Every goal scored during the Vodacom Challenge in regulation time will see R150 000 go to the South African National Council for the Blind, Netcare and the Pretoria Eye Institute, for disadvantaged elderly citizens in need of cataract operations.

Vodacom will further enhance its status as the voice behind the teams, as it spearheads a Guinness World Records attempt with 20 000 vuvuzelas set to be blown simultaneously for 30 seconds at 19h55 before the match kicks off tomorrow.

The supporters will make their mark in history when they are counted as the voice behind the new world record. Only the first 20 000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a complimentary 10th anniversary commemorative Vodacom Challenge Vuvuzela.

Vodacom Executive Director, Commercial, Romeo Kumalo remarked: “It is this sort of fun initiative that makes Vodacom-related soccer events different to others in the market. It’s a campaign that is family-orientated.

Add to the action on the pitch and other elements such as competitions, promotions, music and entertainment, and it is clear to see why the Vodacom Challenge has been around since 1999.”

SAIL Group spokesperson Sizwe Nzimande added: “The Vodacom Challenge Soweto Derby is being held in the Eastern Cape for the third consecutive year thanks to the continued support of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and I am sure that the match will provide many moments that will stay in the memories of our soccer loving fans. Indeed, the 10th anniversary edition of the Vodacom Challenge will add its own character to the long history of this tournament.”

The stadium gates will open at 16h00 tomorrow and fans who arrive early will also be able to enjoy the pre-match entertainment line up which includes House music sensations in DJ MK, DJ Ganyani and Kwaito star Big Nuz. SA Tourism’s Diski Dancers will also entertain the crowd.

Match tickets will not be on sale at the stadium and supporters are advised to purchase their tickets at R45 each from Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers-Hyper outlets.

The 10th anniversary of the Vodacom Challenge is made possible through the support of title sponsor Vodacom as well as PEP, PRASA, Macsteel, SABC Sport, KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government, Eastern Cape Provincial Government and Limpopo Provincial Government.