LaLiga Kwamahlobo games bigger and better
Nie Cele
Aaron Mokoena, Antonio Barradas and former Bidvest Wits and Kaizer Chiefs legend Stanton Fredericks.
Pulsating soccer will be at its best at the 2017 LaLiga/ Kwamahlobo games come the 21ST in Meadowlands Soweto. Furthermore a high profile delegation from Spain including the President of LaLiga Javier Tebas and SAFA President Danny Jordaan are expected to attend the finals.
This was revealed at the launch of the 21st edition of this high octane soccer tournament.
The draw for more than 40 teams was conducted by former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron ‘Mbazo’ Mokoena who told this publication that this country needs an avalanche of these tournaments of this magnitude.
“This will help unearth more talented players that will in turn get exposure and experience and go on play soccer at high level clubs locally and abroad.”
Dating back to 1996, where it all started in Meadowlands, Soweto. Organisers say this LaLiga powered tournament has grown year –on-year to attract the country’s top clubs and thousands of spectators’ to this illustrious community competition.
They further promise that this fiercely contested, highly entertaining and uniquely South African competition will give the up and coming players an invaluable platform to exhibit their skills and the chance to potentially set up their careers for future stardom.
Jordaan is on record saying Laliga is one of the Association’s vital partners particularly with their recent involvement in the promotion of grassroots football which is key in galvanizing the development of sport in the country.
“SAFA alone cannot cover every corner of the country. We need able partners like LaLiga to lend their hand in helping us grow this game to the next level.”
The Safa President also promised that his association will give its blessing to any football development venture LaLiga is looking at undertaking.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed. LaLigahas proven in the recent past that it is determined on Joining SAFA in developing the sport in all spheres within the country and for that, we appreciate our partnerships with them.”
Antonio Barradas, Africa Director at LaLiga praised this country for having the best natural talent.
“Soccer is a game that heals, unites and uplifts all those who are involved. As the annual title sponsor for these games, LaLiga aims to bring support and recognition to an important community-based soccer project that goes far beyond the tournament itself.
“Soccer, with this tournament as an excellent example, is a powerful catalyst in community change, by bringing together people through an authentic and entertaining home grown event.
“It allows for upliftment of local teams and players through the camaraderie of sport, and keeping youngsters of the streets and out of trouble during the festive season and throughout the year. It also helps by giving them something to work toward, as individuals and as a unified squad along with their loyal supporters,” argued Barradas.
Tournament Director and founder, Patrick Ntenjwa thanked LaLiga for its involvement in the games, saying that the backing of such a prominent football brand will help elevate the event to greater heights.
“These games have a rich history in the country’s football. From the inaugural edition in 1996, the games have been a breeding ground for a number of talented footballers who have went on to represent the senior men and women’s national teams. With the involvement of LaLiga, we’re assured that the games will be greater than ever before,” said Ntenjwa.
Did you know?
- LaLiga is a sports association that was founded in 1984. It comprises 42 teams that make up the first and second divisions of professional football in Spain.
- LaLiga is based in Madrid and is responsible for three leagues and the television production, which in the 2016/2017 season reached more than 2.5 billion people glob
- The association also has an active foundation and is the world’s only professional football league with a league for intellectually challenged footballers; LaLiga Genuine.
