Fans of the 16 PSL teams eligible for the competition have to secure the participation of their team by telephone and sms voting. Vote lines go live at noon today to decide which four teams will compete for the Cup on Saturday 7 August.

This is the first national soccer event following South Africa’s hugely successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in which Telkom played a key role by providing world-class communications infrastructure for live global broadcasts of all matches.

Addressing today’s launch, Telkom’s Chief of Corporate Governance, Ouma Rasethaba, said the World Cup was a triumph for South Africa and had done wonders for the nation’s reputation.

“Apart from showcasing Telkom’s world class technology, the past month has also demonstrated that soccer has the power to break down barriers, unite people, ignite patriotism and pride and nurture a national culture,” said Rasethaba.

“This is important for, in the words of President Jacob Zuma, the tournament signals the beginning of a better future for South Africa.

“A better future includes the restoration of the socio-economic well-being of disadvantaged people. In this regard, the Charity Cup has certainly lived up to its name, and lovers of the beautiful game have contributed constructively and tangibly to lessen the plight of disadvantaged communities and individuals.”

“The core of the word ‘community’ is ‘unity’, and this is how Telkom would like to function: as an integral, inextricable part of society. The Charity Cup gives us an opportunity to give life to this belief.”

“There is much unity in South Africa at the moment. Let us use this to build a bigger, a better Charity Cup so that those for whom life is bleak and harsh, may benefit and rediscover hope," said Rasethaba.

The Telkom Charity Cup is an exciting all-day event packed with entertainment on and off the field. All three matches will be televised live on Supersport and SABC1’s Laduma, and will also be broadcast live on nine radio stations.

Supporters of the 16 PSL teams that are eligible for participation can vote as many times as they like to ensure that their club is among the Top Four teams when the vote lines close at midnight on Sunday, 1 August 2010. By using a Telkom public phone or a Telkom landline, voters stand a chance to win daily cash prizes of R500, the grand prize of R10 000 or Telkom Charity Cup memorabilia.

“Year after year, South Africa’s football family has opened its hearts and wallets to those less fortunate than themselves, even though many of them are socially vulnerable themselves. Many relish the opportunity of ensuring that the invaluable work performed by the benefiting charities is sustainable.” Said Leepile Taunyane, Chairman of the NSL/Charity Trust and Life President of the PSL.

Cellular phone subscribers can also vote for their teams by sending SMS (text) messages, accompanied by their team’s name, to 34620.

A portion of the revenue generated by the phone calls will be distributed to the charities, some of which are selected by the participating PSL teams.

This competition is a unique event according to PSL COO and NSL Charity Trust Trustee, Prof. Ronnie Schloss.

“The objective of the NSL/ Telkom Charity Cup Trust is to protect, promote and restore the socio-economic well being of the disadvantaged persons in South Africa through the annual staging of a soccer event” said Schloss. “Furthermore, it’s the traditional season opener for the PSL and for the four teams competing, a perfect opportunity to showcase their new signings.”

Over R40-million has been donated to needy causes in the charity event’s 24-year history. The Telkom Charity Cup will bring together players and fans to meet its target of raising R5 million this year.

As the 16 teams jockey for participation in the voting stakes, fans can keep pace with the drama by logging on to www.charitycup.co.za. The web page will be updated until 12:00 noon on Saturday, 31 July 2010, and the top four teams will be unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday 3 August 2010.

To vote for Bloemfontein Celtic

SMS the name Bloemfontein Celtic to 34620

Or dial Bloemfontein Celtic voting line 086 22 22 503