Champing at the 5-a-side bit with Kia
ILLOVO – The winning team will have the opportunity to compete against other teams in Russia.
The Champ into the Arena 5-a-side soccer tournament, in partnership with Kia, is set to kick off around the country.
The amateur tournament is hosted by multiple countries across the globe in conjunction with major Fifa events in an attempt to discover the best amateur soccer talent, and to celebrate their talent and skill on a global stage. The winning team in each country’s national finals round has the opportunity to represent their country in the competition’s World Finals, competing for the ultimate glory of being crowned global champions.
“KIA is very excited to once again host the KIA Champ into the Arena amateur soccer tournament,” said David Sieff, marketing director for the motor company in South Africa.
“South Africa has exceptional talent in the soccer arena, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to not only celebrate our homegrown players but to give them an opportunity to compete in an international tournament.”
The tournament is open to all players over the age of 18, with each team limited to entering six players (five players and one reserve). Tournaments will take place regionally, with up to 64 teams per region competing for a place in the national final.
On 18 March, the regional finals for Johannesburg will take place at the Discovery Soccer Park in Illovo. The national finals are scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, also at Discovery Soccer Park, on 21 April.
“Over the years we have seen truly exceptional players and teams participate in Champ into the Arena,” said Christo Valentyn, PR and product marketing manager for the company in South Africa.
“Our winning team from 2017, who participated in the World Finals as part of the Fifa Confederations Cup in Russia, made it all the way to the finals before being placed second in a penalty shootout. It’s this kind of grit and determination that makes the Champ into the Arena tournament stand out, and we’re very excited to again see the best of the best play their way to Russia.”
Entries close one week before each of the regional tournaments, or sooner should capacity be reached. Teams will be notified of their places the Monday before the tournament. Teams that enter will go through a selection process to ensure that only the best teams in the country are on display for their chance to represent South Africa in Russia.
The entry form is available online by clicking on the KIA Champ into the Arena banner on the KIA website or by visiting www.kiachamp.co.za
Will you be entering your team into the Champ into the Arena tournament? Share your experience with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
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