The City of Polokwane in the Limpopo Province on Saturday 23rd January 2010 hosted the inaugural Peter Mokaba Cup at the newly built Peter Mokaba Stadium. The 45 500 capacity facility was the battle field between Supersport United FC and Brondby IF from Denmark in which the current premier league log leaders won 2-0 in the first semi final of the double semi final event.

It was such a befitting spectacle in which over 20 000 lively spectators attended, saw Kaizer Chiefs FC take on Bidvest Wits FC in the second semi final only for the Naturena based outfit to beat the Clever Boys by 4-2 on penalties.

The ultimate objective of the City of Polokwane as a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Host City was to begin with a rollout plan of testing the facilities by having the Peter Mokaba Cup football spectacle hosted at the stadium.  In his address the Executive Mayor of City of Polokwane, Mr. Thabo Makunyane flanked by Limpopo Province Premier, Mr Cassel Mathale, Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula, Chief Whip Mathole Motshekga, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Vetarans, Thabang Makwetla,  MEC of Sports Arts and Culture Ms Joyce Mashamba, President of the ANC Youth League Julius Malema and the mother to the late Peter Mokaba, Mr. Makunyane said “the long held dream of the people of Polokwane and Limpopo in particular has now turned into a reality, a reality that will always encourages us to do more especially in keeping the magnificent facility in good shape”. 

Premier Cassel Mathale in his main address quipped: “This facility will be opened to all South Africans regardless of colour, religious believe or political affiliation. This building is constructed by the government of the people for the benefit of the people”. With rugby game expected to be played on 30th January 2010; the statement was even more relevant.

The grand opening of the stadium which also took place on the 23rd January 2010 preceded the final match between Kaizer Chiefs FC and Supersport United FC with Kaizer Chiefs FC lifting the inaugural cup by beating their nemesis 4-2 in a thriller final. In a post match press briefing, Supersport United FC captain Ricardo Katza said “We are truly honoured to be the finalists and the first team in South Africa to play football in this magnificent stadium and in front of exciting fans”.

“It is always difficult to play a disciplined and organized team like Supersport United FC and as much as we might have won against them twice in the friendlies matches and we are happy about the victories, our aspirations of winning the premier league are still alive” retorted Vladimir , Kaizer Chiefs FC head coach.

ENDS

Issued by the City of Polokwane: 2010 Directorate

Ndavhe Ramakuela (2010 Director)
E-mail: ndavher@polokwane.gov.za
Phone: +27 (0)82 200 5357

Mantlako Sebaka (2010 Manager)
Email: mantlakos@polokwane.gov.za
Phone: 083 380 9252

www.polokwane.gov.za