Discovery Walter Sisulu soccer challenge kick-off

DISCOVERY Walter Sisulu 2013 Soccer Challenge draw took place at the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto on November 20. The annual soccer tournament takes place each year in December and is held in honour of the late struggle icon.

Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge, which was first played in 2002, is now in its 11th year and continues to grow. This year’s Challenge will kick off on December 1, World Aids Day, and will run to December 29.

A total of 56 teams, which is eight more than last year and a sign of how the tournament continues to grow, will be participating in the main category at this year’s Challenge. There will be 32 teams in the u.17 category and 16 sides in the women’s category.

Dennis Mumble SAFA CEO was present at the launch as the guest speaker at the draw.

“At SAFA house we call Phil Mogodi chairman of SAFA Soweto Mr Development because of his commitment to soccer development over the years. I would like to thank Discovery for their commitment to the Discovery Walter Sisulu Challenge over the last 10 years and hope that they will remain involved for the next 10 years,” Mumble said.

Discovery has once again partnered with the Soweto Football Association again this year to ensure the event benefits as many footballers as possible in the community.

“We are thrilled to be part of this Challenge and to be partnering with the Soweto Football Association,” said Sandile Mkari, Discovery Sponsorships Manager. “This longstanding partnership is a demonstration of our commitment to the Soweto through our various projects in the community. We are proud to announce that the community should look forward to our continued support in the years to come.”

“During the tournament we will be donating R50 000 worth of soccer gear to the Dreamfields Project as part of our commitment to giving back to community and being a force for social good,” Mkari added. “These DreamBags will enable children to fulfil their dreams of playing soccer, and help them to keep fit and healthy.”

Dreamfields Projects is an organisation committed to helping children’s dreams of playing soccer come true through providing them with the resources they need to play the game in rural and township schools across the country. Dreamfields will distribute the Discovery donated DreamBags to schools and organisations throughout Soweto.

“The tournament provides a great platform for Discovery to promote the important message of physical activity, good health and well-being and eating healthily,” said Candice Smith, Discovery Vitality Wellness Manager. “On the day the tournament starts we will commemorate World Aids Day and throughout the tournament, provide wellness screenings for the players, host a festival for the community and hold soccer youth clinics for young players.”