Come hell or high water, Map Games will continue to dazzle

Money or no money, the Maimane Alfred Phiri (Map) Games will continue to dazzle Alexandra and offer the township’s children a platform to showcase their football skills.

This is the principled standpoint of former Bafana Bafana and Ajax Cape Town star midfielder, and Alexandra son of the soil, Maimane Alfred Phiri, during an exclusive interview with Alex News. Phiri was talking after another successful tournament which has far exceeded expectations and has become known as the ‘World Cup of Alexandra’.

Phiri was speaking on what he termed the ‘drying up of funds and sponsors’ for the games vis-à-vis their future. “I have been in this game now for many years and have traversed the challenges over the years. I am convinced even these challenges will soon be water under the bridge.”

He lamented the lack of sponsors which he said was threatening the future of the games. “Dark or blue, money or no money, I will find a way to provide a platform for these kids to shine in what they know best – football.

“If I don’t, what do I expect them [children] to do or [where should they] go? Do I expect them to do drugs or loiter on the streets, especially at the time of the games in winter when schools are closed?”

Phiri said with the magnitude of interest in the games, it has cost him in the region of R3-million to host and provide medals and kit for the junior players, and prize money for the seniors.

“I will not abandon these games, come hell or high water, as I have built a brand around them. Considering how far I have come, from four teams when I started, to close to 300 teams today in both categories.

“I will be knocking on all doors as soon as I finalise the funding proposals, and I am confident I will be able to land some willing sponsors for the sake of the children. My target is December to ensure I have acquired some sponsors and then the planning begins for the games.”

Meanwhile, one of the many highlights of the Map Games over the years has been the sensational performance of the Kathorus-based blind coach, Dumisani Ntombela, who thumped his sighted counterparts to win the ladies football category of the games last year.

Although he could not defend that title this year due to the financial difficulties his team, Silver Spears Ladies face, Ntombela still strongly believes he could have easily collected a second championship win in a row. “I will return,” the multi-championship winning coach told Alex News.

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Classy Heroes defend their Map Games crown