Cosmos, Downs take on Scottish giants

By Patrick Baloyi

Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers and Aberdeen will visit our shores next month to take part in two friendly matches.

The two clubs will be in sunny South Africa early next month as part of their pre-season training.

They take on Jomo Cosmos, reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic.

The first double-header, which takes place on the 14th of next month, will see Cosmos - main organisers of the five-team tournament - take on Rangers (2pm) at Bloemfontein Rugby Stadium, while Celtic lock horns with Aberdeen (4pm).

In an unprecedented move, the final double header will take place at the Wanderers Stadium two days later.

The first match will be between super-rich Sundowns and Rangers (2pm), while Cosmos tackle Aberdeen in the late match (4pm).

An excited Cosmos boss, Jomo Sono, said he was looking forward to welcoming the two great teams.

"This will be an interesting tournament," said Sono.

"With the 2010 World Cup in our country, most European teams are flocking here and this is great news for the country," added Sono, who is vying for the vacant Bafana Bafana head coach position.

And what does he think of the venue?

Sono said a new chapter will be written in football history.

"I am grateful to the Gauteng Cricket Board for allowing us the use of their stadium.

"The players will be the main beneficiaries and I hope they impress.

"I also urge football lovers to come in their numbers," Sono said.