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Sport24 understands that the Vodacom Challenge – reportedly intended to feature customary South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates plus Newcastle and TP Mazembe of the DRC this year – is in jeopardy.
Newcastle would have been a decent lure for the pre-season event, given that they ended fifth in the Premiership last season and qualified for a Europa League place.
It has been several weeks, though, since rumours first swirled that they were coming, with confirmation lacking.
Some Newcastle-related websites or blogs are now linking the club to an Algarve Tournament, believed to be scheduled at roughly the same time in late July – the Magpies may play Greek champions Olympiakos on July 27.
Premiership runners-up Manchester United, meanwhile, are thought to be still on track for a pres-season tour involving both South Africa – venues likely to be Durban and Cape Town – and China.
PSL sides AmaZulu and Ajax Cape Town will provide the respective opposition here.
