Nie Cele
Itumeleng Masite
Ever heard of a tournament that prides itself for going beyond football? If not, then hurry up and go to Meadowlands Zone 9 BRT grounds, Soweto and you will experience thrilling, pulsating and effervescent Football tournament that showcase the lavishness of township soccer talent.
Furthermore you will see a first of its kind man of the match award which come in the form of a grocery hamper that a player takes home to his family setting, thanks to Moso Consulting Services, a 100% black owned company that is bankrolling this soccer spectacle.
At the recent launch held at the Pimville Nike Centre 32 teams were announced and showered with full soccer kit for the tourney and the earth shattering prizes for the winners were announced.
Organizers believes that As South Africa celebrates 25 years of democracy, the nation needs to look back and celebrate how it has become a new society, built on a foundation of freedom.
“One of the most admirable things that the country is also ought to be proud of are the major sporting achievements that have been accomplished over the 25 years. This includes individual milestones that have been achieved by some of our sports men and women, to the major tournaments we have hosted and won over the years, such as the 1995 and 2007 Rugby World Cup, 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, successful hosts of the 2010 Soccer World Cup and 2003 Cricket World Cup and soon to host the 2023 Netball World Cup.”
They further revealed that Democracy has also given way to other sporting contests that are garnered towards youth development.
“The June 16 Memorial Cup might be an amateur township tournament but it’s one of the youth sports competitions that contribute immensely towards football development.
Now in its second year, the June 16 Memorial Cup is determined to deliver an even bigger and more exciting spectacle, that will create a platform for sports clubs and players in and around Soweto to be part of this contest.”
Reggie Moloi, Chairman of Thabeng Management is on record arguing that, this year the June 16 Memorial Cup is going Beyond Football, going beyond the call of football,”
“We’re going where no other tournament on our level has gone before and that is tapping into the lives of the players that will be participating, ensuring the we make an impact in the lives of their families and communities as well.”
Moloi also pointed out that The June 16 Memorial Cup ‘Beyond Football Man of the Match prize will represent the essence of what it means to go Beyond Football.
“Realising the significance of family support for players that partake in the tournament, what a better way to reward deserving all the man of the match players with grocery hampers that they can take back home.”
Another initiative that will be tied to the 2019 June 16 Memorial Cup going Beyond Football will be around the goals scored in each game during the tournament.
“We’re aiming to utilize the beloved game of football to protect, serve and take care of the girl child. This is a first for the June 16 Memorial Cup and we hope it will be an on-going initiative for the tournament. For every goal scored in the 2019 June 16 Memorial Cup, the Orlando Pirates’ midfield maestro, Xola Mlambo will donate a pack of sanitary towels towards the #XolaMlamboGoals4Pads sanitary towel drive, said Moloi.
Lehlohonolo Mokgethi, CEO of Moso told the packed audience that this tournament was made possible by the Moso shareholders and employees.
“They opened their hearts to sponsor this tourney. Community gives power to any organization therefore we want to make this tournament bigger and better and bring the youth closer to June 16 Commemoration.”
Jaja Moloi, Tournament Director said Soweto deserves something raw.
“There is going to be fireworks and a lot of surprises will be revealed but promise to do everything differently.”
Phil Mogodi, Safa Johannesburg President also gave the tournament thumbs up.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Sneke Chillers are the defending champions of the first instalment of this tournament.
- The final of this tournament is expected to be played at Nike Centre.
- Winners of the Tournament will walk away with R100 OOO, and Runners up gets R30 000.
Third
