Biggest festive soccer tournament to commence

THE wait for South Africa’s biggest festive season football tournament came to an end on December 10 when LaLiga, in partnership with event organisers, officially launched the 2019/20 edition of the KwaMahlobo Festive Games.

As in previous years, the tournament will take place during the festive season from December 19 to January 5, 2020.

The 23rd edition of the LaLiga supported tournament, which attracts clubs and fans from all walks of life, is set to be even bigger than before, with proud partners LaLiga at the helm of the tournament.

Outside of the eye-catching football that the tournament has become popularly known for, LaLiga will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that fans in attendance enjoy a great family outing, with plenty of exciting prizes and fan engagement activities lined up.

Speaking at the official launch on Tuesday where the draw was also conducted, LaLiga South Africa’s Enrique Suay said the tournament was one of many initiatives that LaLiga is proud to be spearheading in lending a helping hand to the growth of football in South Africa and other parts of the continent.

“Through our partnership with SAFA and the KwaMahlobo Games, this season marks the fourth year of LaLiga’s involvement in the tournament.

“As a globally acclaimed football brand it is important for LaLiga to be involved in unique football initiatives that contribute to societal growth and enhancement of the game.

“The KwaMahlobo Games are one of many ways in which LaLiga prides itself in making a difference to society through football,” said Suay.

Outside of the KwaMahlobo Games, LaLiga has continued to empower disadvantaged youth and local aspiring footballers in addition to women through numerous initiatives around South African communities.

Echoing Pelegrin’s sentiments was KwaMahlobo Games co-founder and tournament director Patrick Dlongolo Ntenjwa who hailed LaLiga’s efforts in growing the game through their involvement in the tournament.

“We have enjoyed a fruitful partnership with LaLiga, which has seen the standard of the KwaMahlobo Games grow to even greater heights in the last four years.

“Having a globally acclaimed brand such as LaLiga has encouraged us to continue working hard as this tournament has become a springboard to the launch of a number of South African footballers, including this year’s ambassador Reneilwe Letsholonyane.

“We urge the people of Soweto and surrounding areas to come out in their numbers as we witness another exciting edition of the KwaMahlobo Games,” said Ntenjwa.

A total of 40 clubs will compete for this year’s title that comes with a staggering R120 000 as prize money from LaLiga.