Amakhosi, who lost out to SuperSport United in the final last year, will be out to even the scores after losing the Free State club in the Telkom Charity Cup this past weekend.

The SAA Supa 8 Tournament was launched today, 1 August 2005 at The Forum, Bryanston. The 2005 event is the third in SAA’s five-year association with the tournament, following last season’s successful event.

The fireworks and excitement of the last year’s tournament – which saw Supersport United being crowned the SAA Supa 8 Champions and winning the coveted trophy – leaves no doubt that this season’s tournament will be of equal success. The final was a resounding success with the tickets being sold out a week in advance. The finalists paraded around Kwa-Zulu Natal creating the hype and excitement that is usually associated with the SAA Supa 8 Tournament.

SAA promises the spectators the same level of excitement with new interactive campaigns such as “Captain my Captain” that will form part of the 2005 SAA Supa 8 Tournament.

SAA Supa 8, through its competitiveness sets the tone for the long and arduous league campaign. The tournament further affords the eight Supa teams the ideal platform to sharpen their skills for the forthcoming season.

The CEO and President of SAA, Dr Khaya Ngqula said: “For the next eight weeks, nothing else matters, SAA Supa 8 Tournament, “Taking the game to another level”. It is fulfilling for South African Airways, the best airline in Africa to be bringing the “best of the best” tournament to the people. SAA are proud to be associated with the beautiful game and assure spectators of a great tournament.”

SAA is committed to nurturing the country’s youth. In an effort to marry their sponsorship and social responsibility initiatives, SAA will select 100 youths to attend each of the SAA Supa 8 games, providing them with an opportunity to witness soccer entertainment at its best.

This re-affirms SAA’s commitment to the developing talent in South Africa. This is evident in successful programmes such as Sokka Kings, Official Carrier to the Bafana Bafana and the best South African teams in the league.

Meanwhile, CEO of the Premier Soccer League, Mr Trevor Phillips responded by saying: “We are excited about this sponsorship and assure our partners at SAA of an awesome tournament”.

Mr Phillips concluded: “We believe that the tremendous work, commitment, talent and success that was displayed last season will be surpassed in the staging of the 2005 event.”

Dr Ngqula added: “We would like to take this opportunity of wishing all participants the best of luck in this tournament. We encourage the South African public to support their teams and grow the greatest game in the world.”

SAA will put together excellent and affordable travel packages and therefore urge the football loving fans to fly SAA as they rally behind their teams – Ndizani.

Let the games begin!

Full draw

August 13: Orlando Pirates vs Silver Stars – 20:15 at Absa Stadium in Durban

August 14: Sundowns vs Ajax Cape Town – 15:15 at Loftus

August 20: Kaizer Chiefs vs Bloemfontein Celtic – 20:15 at FNB Stadium

August 21: Moroka Swallows vs SuperSport United