KZN football fans are in for a treat as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs prepare to lock horns with Indian clubs in a mouth-watering double-header at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium later this month.
The historic event, dubbed the “Connect Tournament,” promises a cultural exchange and a thrilling display of footballing prowess. It takes place just three days after Bafana Bafana play their final Group E AFCON match against Tunisia in Korhogo, Ivory Coast.
The PSL is on a six-week break to make way for the continental football showpiece, while the Indian Super League [ISL] and I-League will have no matches in January due to the AFC Asian Cup.
In the first game, Orlando Pirates will square off against I-League log leaders Mohammedan Sporting. The Kolkata giants, founded in 1891, is one of the oldest football clubs in India and are the current log leaders of India’s second-tier league.
Following this epic opener, the curtain will rise on the clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Sreenidi Deccan. Sreenidi Deccan, whose partnership with Portuguese side Benfica is well documented, are currently third in the I-League.
Amakhosi, boasting a rich history and a loyal following, will use the clash to fine-tune their preparations for the second round of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
Tickets for the double-header have been pegged at R80. Beyond the on-field action, this double header transcends the boundaries of sport. It serves as a bridge between two vibrant cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation for each other’s traditions.
With both Pirates and Chiefs boasting passionate fan bases, this double-header is sure to be a sell-out event.
WHAT THE ORGANISERS HAVE SAID
At the centre of the initiative are two companies – Niniva Capital and Bhattacharjee. The organisers of the Connect Tournament confirmed details of the tournament to FARPost.
“We started planning this initiative after the raids [July 2021 riots] that happened in KZN. This is not overnight work,” said Sibaphiwe Khanyile, CEO of Niniva.
“We’ve been working on it for over a year. Everybody came and agreed that it’s a good initiative. With football, we will bring KZN together. This is not a once-off initiative; we will do it annually and bring more teams from BRICS.”
The tournament is also expected to have a positive economic impact on both countries. The organisers plan to facilitate “industries in South Africa to do some trade fairs in India under the same initiative.”
With keen anticipation, the KZN government eyes the economic and tourism benefits the initiative promises.
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