The team arrived in Mafikeng on Wednesday evening and had their first training session early yesterday morning and again in the late afternoon.

The technical staff, except for assistant coach Farouk Khan who is in the process of moving from Cape Town to Johannesburg, was very impressed with the new players and with the way the team has gelled together in such short time.

"The players looked fit and hungry to win. The coach has two squads available at the moment and they are gelling well together, especially the new players, they are a solid squad with the right fighting spirit”, said team manager Bobby Motaung.

“We look forward to playing on Sunday and the game will set the tone for the new season", so we will definitely be going out there to entertain and to showcase our talent,” Motaung added.

On Thursday evening the team had a special braai at Leopard Park to celebrate the

new players and David Kannemeyer’s birthday.

The team and technical staff gathered and had a traditional dinner and wished

David a Happy Birthday. Dawie, as Kannemeyer is known by his teammates, thanked everyone at the club for supporting him and also said he wished to win and retain the Vodacom Challenge Cup. He requested the team to perform to their best and make the Amakhosi supporters proud once again.

The atmosphere in Mafikeng is exhilarating as soccer fanatics from all over the country are starting to fill the city getting ready for a fun filled day on Sunday, 11th July 2004.

On Friday evening the four teams will be attending the North West Province Gala Banquet where the Social Economic Reports will be presented.

Report by Brand Manager Vivian Casaletti