World-first by Swazi Birds
World-first by Swazi Birds
Posted: 2010-02-11 12:56
Swaziland's Mbabane Swallows have launched a world-first in the fight against Aids.
The Mbabane giants, who play SuperSport United in a first leg Caf Champions League clash at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday, have promised free entry to the first 500 male fans who undergo HIV tests before the game.
Mondli Nxumalo, the team's Marketing Manager, said this was time for the team to shine and regain its glory being as a team that is full of ideas and a leading soccer brand.
He said they were urging supporters to rally behind their team and the nation at large to ensure that on Sunday, the 'Beautiful Birds' emerged victorious.
"This week's theme is 'time has come for Swallows to conquer Africa' and through this, we encourage our male supporters to get tested for Aids as well and know their status," Nxumalo said.
He said Sunday being Valentine's Day they had something in store for the ladies as well besides the 500 male supporters who gain free entry.
Swallows manager Sandile Zwane said they were itching to ensure King Shaka's dream of a world ruled by 'birds' was realised through winning Sunday's match against SuperSport.
Zwane further made an undertaking to publicly undergo a test on Sunday in a bid to motivate their supporters do the same.
He also encouraged other teams to join the campaign of having increased numbers of males testing for HIV.
"We encourage the supporters of other teams going forward, beyond Sunday, to test too. Through this campaign we wish to clear the perception that soccer supporters are an unruly lot or crowd but accentuate they are responsible citizens as well," Nxumalo stated.
: 2010-02-12 11:08
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