Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge is on
Nie Cele
Max Tlhakanye
In case you are an extreme football fanatic, don’t look any further than Soweto Nike Training Centre in Klipspruit this festive season.
The beautiful South African football tournament that is famous for Tsamayas, shibobos , Pizzas and a display of high octane and pulsating soccer matches has begun.
At a launch late last month in Sandton, organizers have promised that this football spectacle tournament will run from the 1st to the 29th of this month.
As the hub of local football talent, the tournament has been a starting point where the likes of Bafana Bafana and Bidvest Wits captain Thulani Hlatswayo, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi and Orlando Pirates, Lyle Foster discovered their passion for professional football.
Iona Maclean, Discovery’s Head of Sponsorship and Experimental Marketing is on record arguing that Football is the beautiful game which is part of the fabric of South African culture.
“Many people in our country enjoy it and this tournament adds to that excitement every year. Our vision is to provide young players from disadvantaged football clubs with the opportunity to be discovered by reputable scouts.
“We are looking forward to all the action that will be happening at this year’s tournament and I encourage the public to come and support their teams in numbers.”
Vilakazi is a testament of how football can impact one’s life and aid them in discovering their purpose.
At the launch he said he was honoured and privileged to play his part in this year’s Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge as an Ambassador.
“My personal journey with this tournament dates back when I played soccer for my local team, Meadowlands Chelsea. I used to play soccer socially and as a result of tournament like these. I have fulfilled my dreams of becoming a professional football player.
“There is a great improvements since my days of playing in this tourney. I hope that sharing my journey with Discovery will have the same impact on both male and female soccer players,” said Vilakazi.
Russel Paul, of SAFA told the packed hall that this tournament is about development and grassroots and fits well with his organizations’ vision 2022.
“Discovery is helping to discover coaches, teams and players,” He said.
Thabo Senong, under 23 National Coach told the packed audience that tournaments of this magnitude produces performance football.
While Dludlu ????? said this tournament was never just a tourney.
“Its an incredible experience to play in the Discovery tournament infront of your own people. I urge young women to gun for this tournament.
DID YOU KNOW?
- This much loved football tournament was established in honour of iconic leader Walter Sisulu who played a key role in South Africa’s fight for liberation and has inspired millions all over the world.
- They say,just as he has changed lives for the better, theSoccer Challenge aims to inspire greatness by providing exposure and a platform to identify as well as groom the country’s most promising football talent.
