Crystal Palace will take part in the inaugural Cape Town Cup as part of the club’s pre-season preparations, it was announced today.

The four-team tournament, taking place at the iconic Cape Town stadium from July 24 to 26, will also feature hosts Ajax Cape Town, Supersport United from Pretoria, and Portuguese team Sporting Lisbon.

Palace will kick off the tournament against three-time South African Premier Soccer League champions Supersport United at 5.45pm (local time) on July 24, followed by the match between Ajax Cape Town and Sporting Lisbon, who finished third in their domestic league.

The two losers will then play each other at 1pm on July 26, followed by the final between Friday’s two winners, kicking off at 3.30pm.

If the final ends in a draw after 90 minutes a penalty shoot-out will decide the winner of the cup.

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Eagles chief executive Phil Alexander said: “We're delighted to be taking part in the inaugural Cape Town Cup as part of our Premier League season preparations.

“Alan Pardew will be bringing a full first team squad and we are looking forward to sampling the tremendous atmosphere in the iconic Cape Town stadium.”

Ari Efstathiou, chief executive of Ajax Cape Town, said: “Hosting clubs of this calibre in our city is the start of a great future for the Cape Town Cup.

"Together with the city of Cape Town, we hope to grow this tournament in the years to come."

Crystal Palace is intending to put together supporters’ packages for the tournament; details will be announced in due course on cpfc.co.uk.

Match tickets will be priced from £10-£20 by the organisers to encourage big crowds.

More details of the tournament can be found at capetowncup.co.za.