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Tembisa township in Ekurhuleni will once again become the centre of attention for kasi diski lovers after the popular festive season soccer tournament, Philly’s Games, officially launched on Thursday during a ceremony that was attended by homeboys, Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns and George Maluleka of AmaZulu.
The tournament, in partnership with DStv, will run from December 19 until January 2, and will be televised live across the country.
At stake is a R200 000 first prize purse for the champions, while the runners-up are guaranteed R70 000, bronze medallists will get R20 000 and fourth-place finishers will bag R10 000.
As a key component of this sponsorship, DStv said it would deliver live coverage of all matches on SuperSport channels 202 and 209.
The live production includes pre-match build-ups, half-time analysis and post-match interviews.
After three decades, the tournament has established itself as a catalyst for unearthing raw diamonds and being a trusted conveyer belt for talent that continues to dazzle the DStv Premiership and Diski Challenge.
DStv’s sponsorship senior manager Tshepiso Sathekge said:
He added: "This exciting partnership richly complements our ever-growing portfolio of local football sponsorship, which we are equally excited to bring to life through cutting-edge and world-class broadcast technology for all South Africans to enjoy from the safety and comfort of their homes during this festive season."
Tournament founder Philly Mathebula said:
In addition to the 13 days of live action and entertainment, fans will be treated to exciting fan engagement competitions and daily prize giveaways as part of the DStv #Kuzobamnandi festive season campaign.
Entrance to the Philly’s Games will be free throughout the tournament.
Where to follow Philly’s Games:
Maseven Ivory grounds on December 19, 20 and 21
Etafuleni Ivory grounds on December 22, 23 and 24
Phomolong Sports Complex on December 26, 27 and 28
Esiqongweni on December 29, 30 and January 1
Mehlareng Stadium on January 2 (Final).
The Philly's Games are just part of jam-packed festive season soccer tournaments.
READ: Ex-Bafana star Phiri revives 'Kasi World Cup'
Elsewhere, recently retired PSL referee Victor Hlungwani has also launched the 22nd edition of his games, the Zama Zama Sports Challenge.
The annual event - which offers men's, women's and masters soccer events, as well as netball - will take place in Giyani, Limpopo at KYD Ground, Homu Block 14B village, from December 14 to 31.
Hlungwani, who hung up his whistle at the end of last season, said the winning team would walk away with R55 000, the runners-up will get R25 000, while third and fourth-placed sides will pocket R10 000 each.
There's something for the women's soccer competition, which starts on December 20. The champions are guaranteed R15 000.
In Rustenburg in the North West, the GSG Kasi Festive Tournament is pencilled in for December 14 to 26 at Tlhabane Stadium.
