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extra spice for u-19 cup

Safa Soweto will use the next three editions of the celebrated SuperSport Under-19 Cup to promote the 2010 World Cup.

Safa Soweto will use the next three editions of the celebrated SuperSport Under-19 Cup to promote the 2010 World Cup.

The tournament will take place on August 7 to 10.

Phil "Chippa" Mogodi, Safa Soweto president, said they have decided to spread their wings this time round by inviting clubs from other African countries.

"When we were bidding to host the event, we pledged that it will be an African World Cup. That is why we felt it is important to bring the African continent on board," he said.

"As part of Safa Soweto's contribution to the promotion of the 2010 World Cup, we have invited two clubs, one each from Nigeria and Zambia, to play in this year's event."

Mogodi identified the Nigerian outfit as Gateway United, with AfriSport Football Club coming from Zambia.

"We will continue to invite some of the top development sides on the continent in 2009 and 2010 to be part of this tournament," he said.

"The tournament is also a great platform for our brothers and sisters in other parts of Africa to know more about the 2010 World Cup host country.

"For us in Soweto, the tournament is one of the legacy projects of the 2010 World Cup and will be used for our people to get used to organising big competitions.

"Our people will also volunteer in areas like accreditation, media, hospitality and logistics to prepare them for the 2009 Confederations Cup and World Cup."

Irvin Khoza, chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Premier Soccer League, is the patron of this tournament.

Khoza is expected to urge Sowetans and South Africans in general at the launch on July 24 to support the LOC in ensuring the World Cup will be a great event.

Mogodi said 18 South African clubs will also take part in this tournament. They include Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Ajax Cape Town, SuperSport United, Moroka Swallows, Maritzburg United, Bloemfontein Celtic, Transnet Football School of Excellence and a Soweto Invitation team.

"Sowetan newspaper and Adidas have come on board as partners of Soweto Invitation. We are excited the tournament is growing in leaps and bounds yearly. The support from SuperSport is highly appreciated," Mogodi added.

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