Open to local U17’s as well as Senior Men and Women’s teams, the 18th edition tournament kicked off on Wednesday 8 December 2021 and with strict Covid-19 protocols in place.
“We’re pleased to confirm that the tournament will go ahead, despite it being behind closed doors. Protection of our people will always be our number one priority. Our teams have worked tirelessly in order to ensure that all goes ahead as planned,” says Head of Vitality Wellness at Discovery Vitality, Dr Mosima Mabunda.
“This tournament is the very essence of Discovery’s purpose of being a force for social good and so whilst we are cognisant, cautious and respectful of the infection increase, we are also aware of the impact that a tournament such as this one has on the lives of so many.”
Phil Mogodi, president of SAFA Johannesburg (Soweto Local Football Association), says he is thankful that the tournament will proceed.
“We look forward to 21 days of footballing flair and on behalf of the players, we thank all parties for the opportunity. All teams will be fully vaccinated and security will be extremely tight. Absolutely no spectators will be allowed inside. Whilst we are disappointed that our doors are not open to our fans, we remain grateful that we are to play the game we love.”
All participating members are required to be vaccinated and as such, a mobile, fully compliant vaccination bus is on site from Saturday 4 December (08h00 – 16h00) and Sunday 5 December (10h00 – 13h00) at Klipspruit Sports Centre which is opposite Nike Sharpa Soweto.
Format: Round robin, knock out stages from quarter finals
Teams: Open Men Category: 34 teams | Women Category: 12 teams | u17’s Category: 24 teams.
Image Backpage Pix (Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge ambassadors Siphiwe Tshabalala, Ronwen Williams and Ayanda Dlamini, and Safa Johannesburg president Phil Mogodi during the launch of the popular amateur Soweto tournament).
