Three-times Vodacom Super Rugby champions, the Vodacom Bulls will lock horns with the Toyota Cheetahs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 9 February at 5pm in a pre-season fixture that has all the makings of a classic encounter. With both teams using this match as preparation for the start of the 2013 season, scheduled to kick off for South African franchises on 22 February, fireworks are expected in Polokwane.

For the second consecutive year, Polokwane will host the Vodacom Bulls and the Toyota Cheetahs at its popular 45 000-seater World Cup venue. Last year, Pierre Spies and his team thumped the Toyota Cheetahs 39 – 16 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, thus setting the stage for another thrilling encounter in the heart of Limpopo.

This fixture forms part of a three-year partnership between the Blue Bulls Company (BBC) and the Polokwane Municipality which is aimed at generating funds for tertiary learners in the Province.

Freddy Greaver, Polokwane Executive Mayor, has watched the rugby culture grow in the city ever since the Vodacom Bulls first played a warm-up match in the City in 2010 against the MTN Lions.

“Our community is starved of rugby action and have expressed a desire to watch more international matches at Peter Mokaba Stadium. Therefore, this three-year partnership with the Blue Bulls Company presents an ideal scenario for our community in that our residents get to watch the former champions gearing up for the new season, while the fundraising initiative is a boost for investment in skills training for tertiary students who will ultimately help grow the Limpopo economy.”

Barend van Graan, Blue Bulls Company CEO, says the Polokwane fixture is one of the highlights of their pre-season preparations.

“We have an incredible support base in Polokwane, so much so that our players have that home-away-from-home feeling when playing at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. This fixture will set the stage for what we’re hoping will be a successful and memorable 2013 season for the Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition.”

Kick off is scheduled for 5pm and tickets are now on sale at Computicket outlets countrywide, by booking online at www.computicket.com or by dialing 0861 915 8000. Tickets cost R60 (behind the poles), R80 (open stand) or R100 for a grand stand ticket and R20 (behind the poles) for learners. Parking tickets, which can also be purchased from Computicket, cost R20. For more information, go to www.thebulls.co.za