Manchester United to play in SA

(It) will create a platform for many a rising star to elevate their level of play Sir Alex Ferguson

Premier League champions Manchester United will travel to South Africa to play in the Vodacom Challenge.

The three-team tournament also features Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and will take place 19-26 July.

The Red Devils last played in the event in 2006, when they lost in the final to the Chiefs on a penalty shoot-out.

United will face each side, before Chiefs clash with Pirates in a 'Soweto derby' for the right to face Sir Alex Ferguson's side again in the final.

"The games will mark our third visit to South Africa and will create a platform for many a rising star to elevate their level of play to become a regular member of United's starting line-up for the new season," said Ferguson.

"Because (Manchester United) is such a big brand it is important to be here in the build up to 2010 World Cup.

"It's a big challenge for South Africa, where they need to show they can organise well and there are a lot of doubters, but I'm confident they will do it well," Ferguson added.

The announcement of this pre-season tournament comes after the Premier League announced they were looking at a proposal to play one 'international round' of competitive fixtures in five cities across the globe from January 2011.