Coke Cup Final to spread message of non-violence
Coke Cup Final to spread message of non-violence

Posted in News on Dec 02, 2003.

The 2003 Coca-Cola Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Silver Stars on Saturday at Soccer City has been dedicated to eradicating violence against women and children.

This goes hand in hand with the 16 days of non-violence against women and children being observed in the country.

A message of unity is being spread by the Coca-Cola Cup organisers, the PSL and the National Prosecuting Authority.

The Deputy minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Cheryl Gillwald, said on SABC news, "Obviously the whole issue about soccer is that its a male-dominated sport and you are the people that are the icon for our young people and soccer needs to send a message that its really cool to chose the path of peace and that violence is an act of cowardice."

Amakhosi communications manager Putco Mafani said: "Kaizer Chiefs have embraced the programme of the pledge against the abuse of women and children. Last year when 16 Days of Activism was launched, all of us at Chiefs signed in the same book that the same book that the State President signed. That indicated to our supporters the importance of taking a new stand towards the respect of women and children.

"This time around we are humbled and very lucky to be in the finals that we can again show South Africa that when we speak as the majority we say we want peace. I do want to indicate to Silver Stars that it is already in the slogan of Kaizer Chiefs - Love and Peace!"



Silver Stars captain Dingane Masanabo said: "Football is football and if we are working hard on that day nothing can stop us. We can beat them, football is 11 versus 11, not 13 versus 11. We are equal and the stronger team will win."

Brian Baloyi, the Chiefs goalkeeper, said: "Obviously having beaten Pirates they will come motivated, but Chiefs and Pirates are two different teams. However, again we do not have to go into the game and take them lightly as being rookies."

"Out of the squad of around 28 every player wants to be in the starting line-up on Saturday. So you can imagine the pressure at training. It’s been very competitive," said Baloyi.

"The only tricky part is that we haven’t played against Stars in the past but we have seen them in action on numerous occasions and they have quality players. All we need is to feel like we did two years ago when we beat Jomo Cosmos 5-0 in the final."

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