Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

The Gauteng department of sports and recreation has commended Discovery Health for their continued contribution to the development of soccer in Soweto.

Ivor Hoff, the department's chief director, said the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge was in line with their plan to make Gauteng the home of competitive sports.

Hoff said they were expect the tournament to help produce quality players to represent Bafana Bafana and other national teams.

Simon Sebapu, Safa national executive committee member, also praised Safa Soweto for their efforts to create a playing platform for local youngsters.

"What Phil Mogodi and his people in Soweto are doing augurs well for the development of the sport," said Sebapu. "It will be nice if other areas do the same."

Immaculata Matjila of the sponsors said they were delighted to be associated with the yearly tournament, which is now in its fifth edition.

Some of the players who got exposure at the tournament are Thulani Hlatshwayo of Amajita, national under-23 player Clifford Ngobeni, Banyana Banyana captain Portia Modise, Vusi Dhlamini of Golden Arrows and Katleho Pule of Majimbos. The tournament will be played from December 3 to 29.

Kaizer Chiefs striker Arthur Zwane's Galatasaray are the reigning champions in the senior men's category. They will be back to defend their title. Mvela Golden League side PJ Stars will also take part. Adidas and Clinix are co-sponsors.