A soccer tournament with a rich heritage and a greater purpose, The Selati Cup continues to enrich the local community of the Selati heartland.
From humble beginnings in 2005 with just 32 competing teams, the tournament has grown exponentially in both popularity and attendance, with an impressive 288 teams in 2016.
Today, it is more than just a soccer tournament. As a welcome distraction from their everyday lives, the tournament draws large crowds and pits teams from different villages and areas against each other; creating a healthy competitiveness and sense of community loyalty.
Local stadiums are packed on weekends as up to 5 000 spectators flock from far and wide to watch, cheer and support each match. Through their common love of soccer, between 12 000 and 15 000 fans attend the tournament final.
Even local government has been humbled by the community’s enthusiasm for the contest, offering their support in the form of municipal stadia and ensuring entrance to each match comes at no cost for fans.
In addition, after the 2016 final, the Mpumalanga Premier requested the Municipality to increase seating capacity at the Kamhlushwa Stadium to accommodate the increasing number of spectators.
2017 sees the rebranding of the tournament with backing from RCL FOODS that will take The Selati Cup to new heights.
“We’ve always been invested in people and our local communities,” says Derek Van Niekerk, Director at RCL FOODS Sugar Business Unit. "And we know that for a lot of people, soccer is the sweet spot.
"In a society plagued by economic challenges, our aim is to offer fun, fellowship and healthy community competition for fans, as well as to hopefully open doors for young players who want to develop their sporting careers.
"We believe that we have both a responsibility and accountability for the well-being of the communities in which we operate. This is our way of giving ‘More’ back.”
Another exciting addition to the 2017 Selati Cup is the announcement of a South African soccer legend, who has been earmarked as a brand ambassador for 2017 and beyond. This will be unveiled as the tournament kicks off.
Entries have been limited to 128 teams to ensure a smooth operation and flow of events, as well as to guarantee quality soccer entertainment for the fans.
The 128 teams that make the draw will be selected from the 21 football streams present in 54 villages across the Nkomazi area, through a KNLFA Quota System based on team performance per league stream.
Runners up will receive R60 000 cash, 3rd-place will receive R35 000 and 4th-place will receive R25 000. The top 4 teams will receive soccer kits and each of the 128 participating teams will receive cash monies in a tiered reward system.
The Selati Cup kicks off on Sunday, March 19, and runs until Sunday, June 4 2017, when the final will be held at KaMhlushwa Stadium in Mpumalanga.