Mama Beka Ntsanwisi Foundation on Saturday, 1st October, launched Grannies International Football Tournament (GIFT) at Nkowankowa Community Hall.
The launch was attended by elderly clubs from Mahwelereng, Makweng and delegates from Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association in Mopani and Greater Tzaneen Municipality.
The tournament will comprise of more than 23 International teams, including teams from France, and the United State of America (USA), with the other nine of 32 being South African teams, one each from the nine provinces.
The host, Mama Beka Ntsanwisi, told the attendees that she nearly cancelled the event due to financial constraints.
“Because of financial constraints I wanted to cancel this but my sponsors urged me to proceed with this event. I know I have debts to pay. If I believe I have to do something I will do it,”
She said.
According to Ntsanwisi at least three teams have already purchased their flights tickets and asked to be assisted with accommodation.
“Today we can confirm that three international teams have already bought ticket to come and participate in the tournament…However what they need now is accommodation. We want a place to host this teams when they arrive in the country next year. Two teams from France and one from Spain purchased their ticket. I don’t want to talk about teams from Mali and Togo because they are yet to confirm.”
“I want to thank SAFA for giving us three stadiums to use. We will work with you and support you and whatever you need from us we will provide. From the Department of Arts and Culture we are asking for support, I don’t do this for myself. This is the first event in South Africa which brings together different nations,”
she further said.
Mabakane Mangena from Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, is not happy they were not involved from the beginning, pledged that his department will assist in preparation of the tournament.
“We were supposed to be hosting this event as a province. It is very important for us to be involved in this big event. The department will support to ensure that this event becomes a success.”
The tournament will take place next year, starting from March 26 until Wednesday, March 29, around Nkowankowa.