02 Jul 2013

The Kgatleng Regional Football Association (KRFA) has launched a new football tournament to be called Kgatleng Top 8 Football Tournament.

When launching the tournament on June 28, KRFA president, Olefile Ramaabya said the tourney would mark beginning of their promises as the regional football association to bring more football to Kgatleng.

Ramaabya said tournaments like this one gave exposure to young players as representatives from big teams visit to scout for talent. He said the newly elected committee sought to enter into smart partnerships with different companies for the benefit of football.

He said the tournament would be sponsored by Achivas Dreamers, a clothing label company which had been sponsoring tournaments in the Kgatleng region from far back. Ramaabya said he believed that more sponsorship would lead to more teams participating in the tournament.

“More tournaments mean more exposure for unearthed talent which can be used for developing football across the country,” he hoped.

Achivas Dreamers director, Godwin Koboyankwe said when they started sponsoring tournaments in the region, they began with only four teams but the number had since increased to eight. He said the lack of sponsorship continued to be a concern.

Koboyankwe further said as part of their social responsibility at Achivas Dreamers, they wanted to give back to the community. He said the price money for sponsorship this year would be P10 000 plus medals, adding that people should not judge the amount but rather appreciate that something had been put on the table.

He added that they had also included referees as they would be awarded with medals and certificates more so that they were mostly left behind despite a crucial role which they played in the game.

Koboyankwe extended his gratitude to Dynagro and Golden Silence companies for extending a helping hand towards the sponsorship of the tournament.

Speaking on behalf of the Kgatleng District Council chairman, Councillor Joseph Setoutwe said this was a commendable gesture which would see teams benefiting through participation. He said football development and growth needed sponsorship for it to see the light of day and for talent to benefit the whole nation and individuals as well.

He requested teams to market their tournament in a positive way so that they could build a professional side of the game. “Most tournaments are marred with alcohol and drugs and this kills the mood of the game and no sponsor will like to associate with bad behaviour from players,” he cautioned. ENDS