Calls mounting for the return of Selati Cup
Calls from various fronts for the return of the Mpumalanga’s biggest amateur soccer tournament, the Selati Cup, are mounting.
Hosted within the Nkomazi subregion, this famous and lucrative soccer tourney was put on ice following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Being a gateway to two neighbouring countries, Mozambique and the Kingdom of eSwatini, the subregion was vulnerable and as a result experienced a number of Covid-19 fatalities and infections.
With the cases dropping and many people coming forward to get vaccinated, there have been calls for amateur sporting codes and fans to return to the fields and the stands. Making the loudest noise are the Nkomazi-based soccer teams and supporters, calling for the Selati Cup to return and that fans be allowed to be part of the games as per tradition.
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Speaking to Lowvelder Express, Thokozani Ntrong Mkhatshwa, one of the colourful coaches and participants of the tournament said there is a huge need for the games to return, arguing that many upcoming soccer players have turned to crime and substance abuse as a form of entertainment. “In the absence of any form of entertainment in this subregion, these talented young players easily turn to crime, drugs and substance abuse. We can never stress enough the importance and impact the Selati Cup had in Nkomazi.
The tournament was one of the biggest activities on the calendar that kept our youngsters off the streets, because they all wanted to take part in this competition. They knew full well that they had an opportunity to be seen and recruited by big teams from the country’s elite football leagues,” said Mkhatshwa.
A number of previously unknown soccer stars eventually became known and admired footballers in the country after being spotted when participating in the Selati Cup. Mkhatshwa said they will continue to put pressure on the tournament’s sponsors, RCL Foods, to consider hosting it this year.
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“This competition didn’t only create opportunities for soccer players, but also created economic empowerment to many unemployed youths and women who used to sell food and drinks during the games and now there is nothing but hunger,” he added.
The tournament’s local organising committee secretary, Kenneth Phiri, had earlier maintained that they would love for the games to continue, but were also guided and governed by the Covid-19 regulations. Phiri had said they will listen to the government and Safa when it is safe for amateur football to continue as normal.
