Grannies Soccer World Cup 2023 kicks off in Nkowankowa
The Vakhegula Vakhegula brand has officially launched the first ever Grannies International Football Tournament (GIFT), which will kick off at Nkowankowa Stadium on March 23 next year.
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The launch was hosted at Nkowankowa Community Hall recently. The three-day event, will have 32 teams, 23 foreign teams and nine local teams, one from each province, competing for the top spot. Vakhegula Vakhegula, was formed in 2007 by Philanthropist and radio personality Beka Ntsanwisi.
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Also read: Tzaneen granny says football is her life
She founded the first soccer team when she was involved in a home-based care program. After seeing the improvement in the health of the players, Ntsanwisi formed more teams across the country before spreading out into Mozambique. Vakhegula Vakhegula now has a professional league, where the grannies compete against each other.
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According to organiser Sam Ntsanwisi the international event will be promoting township tourism and he said they are pleased to showcase the local talent in the beautiful country. The other stadiums approved for the games are Lenyenye and Julesburg outside Tzaneen.