WHILE Kaizer Chiefs are back in action to prepare for the Vodacom Challenge, reigning league kings Orlando Pirates start their pre-season training on Monday.

Chiefs started their pre-season on Monday to get themselves in good shape for the July 16 match against English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Pirates will start their campaign against Spurs, who are hoping to have the South African duo of Steven Pienaar and Bongani Khumalo fit, at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on July 19. The return to Mbombela will bring back fond memories for Pirates, who completed their treble there by claiming the Nedbank Cup after beating Black Leopards 3-1 in the final in May.

Ronnie Moyo, the Mpumalanga department of sport spokesperson in charge of the stadium, said they were excited to host yet another high-profile match.

"It is a great honour and a privilege for us in Mpumalanga to host a match of this magnitude between two world-class sides.

"Mbombela residents have proven over the past 12 months that they are passionate about the game of football and we can guarantee the match will be sold out.

"We urge fans to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment," Moyo said yesterday.

Mpumalanga will also be using the match to promote tourism. Football fans from Swaziland and Mozambique are expected to attend.

"The concept of sports tourism and event economics are two operational models that have ushered the city and the province into a new business era," Moyo said.

"We have always had a lot to offer visitors, but hosting matches at the Mbombela Stadium has given us a focused event to help promote our other wonderful attractions."

Tickets for the July 19 encounter can be bought from Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper outlets at R50 to R80 each.