Today at SAB Centenary, the draw and the launch of the SAB Under 21 championship was made in what promises to be another humdinger of football festivity to be hosted at the Mbombela/Nelspruit from June 11 to 17.
SAB through its various brands such as Castle Lager and Carling Black Label, respectively has been backing football for the past 60 year’s in this country, this is apart from sponsoring other major sports such as rugby and cricket.
SAB’s responsibility as a good corporate citizen is to provide meaningful opportunities for the youth of our country in order for them to improve their lives and to ensure their successful and sustainable future,” says Dr Vincent Maphai, SAB Director Corporate Affairs and Transformation.
Close to 10 provinces/teams will compete to win the R20 000 first prize. The SAB which used to be the Castle League has been revered for having produced South Africa’s top footballers namely Happy Jele, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Ayanda Dlamini, to mention the three.
Mpumalanga born Jele, Orlando Pirates defender who is still nursing a long term injury, said football at the developmental stages is key in that, it helps one to grow smarter and faster.
John Shoes Moshoeu, the legendary idol of SA football who is the Brand Ambassador of the League, says football is all about discipline and nothing else.
“My role is to encourage these youngsters to do the right thing, which is to discipline and instill the sense of urgency to them. They should know that football and school go hand in glove,” says ‘Lesiba’ who keeps fit by coaching and playing for Alexandra United in the Vodacom League.
SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani says the under 21 League is an integral part of football structure in our country.
There are 52 SAFA regions countrywide, 1050 clubs and 26,250 players.
The games will open and close at Kanyamazane Stadium. Ngonyama Lodge Sports Ground will be used for other games.
The draw is as follows:
Mpumalanga vs Eastern Cape
Western Cape vs Northern Cape
KZN vs USSA
North West vs Gauteng
Limpopo vs Free State
Prizes:
1st position: R20, 000
Player of the Tourney: R10, 000
Top Goal Scorer: R 5000
Coach of the Tourney: R5000
Referee of the Tournament: R5000
Asst Referee of the Tourney: R 5000
Man of the Match: R 1000 per match.
