Bani-Mapena urges support for beach soccer

KWAZULU-NATAL government is calling for local residents to support the 2022 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship taking place in Durban next weekend.

The call was made by the KZN MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Amanda Bani-Mapena, during a championship draw held at Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha, yesterday afternoon (Sunday).

“We are very excited about the championship coming to Durban. We call on the local sports fans to convince their family members to support the tournament and enjoy the unique sports atmosphere,” the MEC said.

She believes that this is a great chance to showcase what Durban and KwaZulu-Natal can offer. This free-entrance tournament will commence on September 25 and end on October 1 in South Beach, Durban.

“The tournament comes at the right time as we are rebuilding the tourism sector. Sports tourism is one of the instruments we are using to resuscitate the economy. We are positive that there will be maximum support for the tournament since we are creating legacy programmes through it,” said Bani-Mapena.

Seychelles and hosts South Africa are the other two teams in Group A, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals. Group B contains a trio of guest nations in the form of Tanzania, Uganda and Egypt, as well as COSAFA nation Mauritius.

Bani-Mapena said that the quality Durban infrastructure, hospitality, culture, love of sports and heritage attractions will ensure a spectacular experience for the visitors.

“We are aware that not only the players will be coming, but there will be people from other nations visiting eThekwini to support the tournament,” she added.