Telkom Charity Cup defending champions Orlando Pirates are still third in the Telkom Charity vote standings. The Buccaneers - who have amassed about 23,000 votes so far, trail Mamelodi Sundowns (33,000) and Kaizer Chiefs (28,000) who are first and second respectively.

Surprise package – Mpumalanga Black Aces have overtaken Bloemfontein Celtic to occupy the fourth and final spot with 15,000 votes to their name. But with just over a week to go before the closing date, a lot can still change and therefore no team can rest on their laurels as anything is possible.

The Buccaneers are well aware of this and as a result, they have been embarking on a number of road-shows across Johannesburg to encourage the masses to vote – but not only to secure the team a place in the four-team tournament, but also to contribute towards charity. As proceeds from the voting go towards contributing to charity. So far Orlando Pirates have visited Tembisa, Tshwane and Soweto where Buccaneers congregated to spread the word and vote for their favorite team. And today, Vaal was the venue to spread the gospel where Public Relations Officer Mickey Modisane called on football followers and Orlando Pirates supporters alike to rally behind the team and contribute to charity.

“The Telkom Charity Cup is a Corporate Social Responsibility driven annual tournament and therefore as clubs we need to do our part to encourage our supporters to vote in their numbers in the name of football…in the name of charity,” said Modisane.

“We are currently in third place, but with eleven days to go before the closing date anything can happen. I am of the opinion that we can push to pole position. Based on the support we command, I am confident that we will honor this event, whilst at the same time contribute to charity.” It is your call

Meanwhile, the Orlando Pirates Greater-Johannesburg Supporters Branch kicked-off their own Telkom Charity Cup campaign in the Johannesburg CBD at the weekend (Saturday, July 24).

According to the branch executive-chairperson Otto Jwarha – Saturday’s activities were a great success and will continue with the campaign until the closing date on July 31.

“I am very happy with the way things went today (on Saturday). Our campaign went very well and we were well received by the supporters which was heartening,” Jwarha told Orlandopiratesfc.com.

He added: “We started at our base in Joubert Park, and then raided Park Station and Carlton Centre, before concluding our day’s mission at Ghandi Square in the inner city. I am very pleased with the number of votes accumulated during the campaign and we will continue to canvass for more votes until midnight on Saturday, July 31.”

How to vote for Pirates

Simply pick up the phone, dial 086 22 22 511 and follow up voice instructions or send a text message with the wordOrlando Pirates to 34620.

SMS‘s are charged at R2.00 and free SMS’s do not apply.