Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Orlando Pirates, who are leading the Telkom Charity Cup vote chart are determined to extend their lead until the vote lines close on July 22.

Bucs' spokesman Mickey Modisane said yesterday that they have started to outline their strategies for this one-day, four-team tournament that will be played at Mmabatho Stadium in Mafikeng on August 2.

It will be played for the second time at this venue and will return to Gauteng next season because the contract with the North West authorities expires this year.

Modisane said they were cautious this time, unlike last season when they slipped to third position on the chart.

"We started late last season but now we've started in great earnest and we are determined to garner more votes day in and day out," he said.

Modisane added that they were in KwaZulu-Natal, which is their stronghold, and would be moving to other provinces and areas to canvas for more support.

"The Charity Cup is a platform where players will showcase their skills and it is also an opportunity for our technical staff to see the side's strengths and weaknesses," he said.

"We'll be fielding a number of new faces on the day and we're determined to annex this trophy."

Next week they will be in Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape before coming back to Johannesburg. North West will be their last stop.

Yesterday at 3pm Pirates were still leading with 2732 votes, followed by Kaizer Chiefs with 2482, AmaZulu (2367), Mamelodi Sundowns (2330), Bloemfontein Celtic (1812) and sixth was Moroka Swallows with 185 votes.