The Amakhosi’s Premier Soccer League season comes to a close on Saturday March 6th as Kaizer Chiefs entertain Free State Stars at Loftus Versveld, with the Amakhosi showing their support for the (NIKE) RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ ™ partnership to raise funds to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

In a first for the domestic football league, a special Nike (RED) ball will be used during the game to highlight their partnership and support.

Players from Kaizer Chiefs will also wear Nike (RED) laces in their boots to show their commitment to the campaign.

“Nike has used many international sporting moments to elevate this (RED) partnership and build support for the campaign. Earlier this week the Emirates Stadium in London was turned (RED) for the Brazil vs. Ireland friendly, so it makes sense that we bring the same energy, awareness and support to our home grounds,” says Mzamo Masito, Marketing Director for Nike South Africa.

“Our hope is that supporters will take the opportunity to know their status at the testing facilities on Saturday, and use the facility provided by Grassroot Soccer to learn as much as they can about the disease”

On November 30th, 2009, the eve of World AIDS Day, Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal), Denilson (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham) joined U2 front man Bono and Nike CEO Mark Parker at Niketown London to announce the partnership.

(Nike)RED laces are available now at Nike Store locations countrywide at a cost of R40.00 per pair. The Nike (RED) Limited Edition Ascente Balls and 2010 Nike (RED) Limited Edition N98 Track Jackets, all numbered, are also available at the recommended retail price of R799.95 and the N98 Jacket at R899.95 respectively.

The March 6th games follow in a series of (RED) themed federation games designed to support the initiative. The following international and league games will also have similar (RED) elements:

• 6 March: Kaizer Chiefs vs. Free State Stars South Africa


• 6 March: Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Golden Arrows South Africa


• 6 March: Werder Bremen vs. Stuttgart Germany


• 13 March: Hertha Berlin vs. FC Nurnberg Germany


• 24 March: Basel vs. Zurich Switzerland


• 20 March: Austria Wien vs Salzburg Austria


• 20 March: PSV vs. FC Twente Netherlands


• 20 March: Trabzonspor vs. Galatasaray Turkey