Mayor Masina officially launches Kings of Diski Mayoral Challenge
“One of my greatest passions is soccer and what it reflects in our communities."
These were the words of Mayor Mzwandile Masina when he addressed media, legends and organisers during the launch of the Mayoral Kings of Diski Challenge.
“Soccer for many of us who come from the townships isn’t just a sports, but a culture lifestyle and our heritage. It is through soccer where we learnt how to socialize with our peers, keep away from substance abuse, build and strengthen friendships but also develop a culture of collectivism and teamwork,” said the mayor.
The much anticipated tournament is set to start on a high note from the April 14, taking place at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.
The Mayoral Kings of Diski Challenge is a tournament that pits the champions from the various tournaments to determine the champion of champions.
Participating teams are drawn from The Phyllis Games in Tembisa, The Scara Ngobese games in Katlehong, The Vostoc Diski Nine 9 in Vosloorus, the Defy Ekurhuleni games in Kwathema, Imbewu Entle and Pollen Games in Daveyton, the Wattville games in Wattville.
“All these areas our our township communities and we must at all times preserve and showcase positive and good stories from our people,” said the mayor.
The total prize money for these games will be R385 000 with the first prize being R150 000, second R95 000, third prize R65 000 while the remaining four teams will receive R20 000 each.
“The Mayor’s Kings of Diski Challenge is an initiative dear to my heart and its one project that as the City, we intend on elevating to greater heights,” Masina said.
“It’s a tournament for the people, by the people.”
Legends such as Jerry Skhosana and Pollen Ndlanya, expressed their gratitude to the metro as many legends have become instrumental in the organizing of the game and scouting new talent in their communities.
“Off season games are now an integral part of the sport calendar in various communities within the metro,” said spokesperson Gugu Ndima.
“In total, more than 100 000 players participate in these various tournaments which are watched by crowds in excess of 100 000 people.
“As a City, it became a duty to ensure that we elevate this initiative, but also reward excellence and talent, as we have witnessed in various tournaments.”
Ndima said in the last edition of these tournaments, the metro invested R860 000 to ensure that all of them comply to the Safety at Sport and Recreation Events Act (SASREA) of 2010.
“The objective is to provide support and ensure that the people continue to own these games. Professionalizing the tournaments in this manner, assists also in terms of accessing sponsorships.”
