A group of Chiefs players teamed up with their counterparts from Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates on Friday and put their football rivalry aside as they participated in the Cancer Shavathon at the offices of both teams main sponsor Vodacom in Midrand close to Johannesburg.

The Chiefs players were on hand to encourage the Vodacom employees to donate R50, which would allow for them to have their hair shaved or dyed in various colours with all the proceeds going to the cancer association of South Africa.

Big Heart

Vodacom Foundation CEO, Mthobi Tyamzashe, said of Friday’s Shavathon "The annual Shavathon affords Vodacom employees the opportunity to demonstrate their support for those affected directly or indirectly by cancer. The Shavathon also provides an opportunity for team building and having a fun, yet worthy, day. Hosting this Shavathon shows that Vodacom employees have a big heart."

Raising awareness

One of the Chiefs players who participated in Friday’s Shavathon defender Jimmy Tau believes that by shaving their heads or by dying their hair they are in a way showing solidarity with those affected by cancer.

“We had a lot of fun dying our hair and faces thankfully the dye washes off, the real reason why we participate in this event is to help raise funds for the Cancer association of South Africa. Hopefully in a small way we are doing our bit to help raise money and awareness of cancer which according to statistics we have been given affects many South Africans,” said Tau.