Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Defending Telkom Charity Cup champions Mamelodi Sundowns yesterday took the lead in the voting charts in a bid to qualify for the one-day event.

The 22nd edition of the yearly soccer spectacular will, for the first time since it was started, be played at Mmabatho Stadium on August 4.

Although it is still early to say, the side is more than eager to defend their crown for the fourth year running.

Breathing on their necks are Silver Stars, then Kaizer, Chiefs followed by Orlando Pirates who are making certain that they qualify this time round, then Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Brazilians communications director, Alex Shakoane, who did not want to blow his own trumpet said he was nervous because most of the teams are determined to challenge them.

"We're in the lead but we're uncomfortable because anything is possible. As a result we're not going to rest on our laurels. We're appealing to our supporters to double their efforts this weekend by voting for their club because it's not cut and dried yet."

Their supporters used to phone in the morning, at lunch time and when they knocked off.

The Brazilians by late yesterday were leading with 12 228 votes. Silver Stars were second with 7 232 votes, Chiefs are third with 6 690 votes and then Pirates fourth with 4 127 votes. Fifth were Celtic with 2 011 votes, Moroka Swallows with 448 votes, Black Leopards with 203 and Free State Stars with 113 votes.