Discovery and the SA Football Association (Safa) will host the 20th edition of the famous Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge.
The grassroots soccer tournament, which is expected to attract about 3 000 players from far and wide across the country, will be staged at Shappa Soweto from December 1-23.
The extremely competitive, highly anticipated festive season tournament is famous for unearthing talent.
In previous editions, the tournament saw the likes of Thulani Hlatshwayo, Percy Tau, Portia Modise, Lyle Foster, Ronwen Williams, Andile Dlamini and many others taking part.
Platform to turn dreams into reality
During a media launch held at Discovery Place in Sandton this week, Safa Johannesburg president and co-founder Phil Mogodi said the tournament inspires players to realise their dreams of playing in the professional league.
“This tournament is proud to have hosted all the stars who are now big in South African football and are now role models to the youth,” Mogodi said.
“It’s the festival for those wanting to follow in the footsteps of our country’s greatest footballers, and every single year the competition is more tightly contested than the year before.
“I’ve said before, and I shall do so again – participating in a tournament of this nature is unquantifiable and an absolute essential to any serious footballer in my opinion.
“The player coming into this tournament is much more refined, skilled, determined and knowledgeable come the final whistle. That’s our goal.”
Games align with Discovery’s core purpose
Deon Curtis, senior marketing manager for sponsorships at Discovery, said the 120-team, three-week tournament strategically aligns with Discovery’s core purpose of making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives.
“There’s something for everyone in this tournament, providing a professional platform for promising players to perform,” he said.
“Communities rally in support of the diski talent on display and as Discovery continues to invest in school sports and the communities in which we serve, this tournament is one of many that speaks to our goal of getting more people active.”
Established in 2002, the registration for the tournament’s 2023 edition is almost at full capacity with only a handful of spots available in the women’s categories.
