This time around Bigger Than Life Entertainment has gone all out to invite Kaizer Chiefs U19 side under the tutelage of Club’s stalwart, Ntsie Maphike; there will be series of cultural activities, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects, Student Arts Culture Careers Expo Seminar, the tournament pitting local teams against each other including an Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, 17 June to draw a curtain on this year’s edition of the Festival.
The Festival started off in 2006 as Siyabonga Nkosi Tournament has evolved over the years and now has become one of the most anticipated events in the sporting and cultural calendar in the province of KwaZulu/Natal.
Speaking during a press conference held in Durban, President of Bigger Than Life Entertainment and Kaizer Chiefs midfield maestro, Siyabonga Nkosi said; “We are putting a lot of effort this year in trying to provide a stage and exposure to the upcoming generation of talent in the Amajuba region both from sporting and cultural front.
“The success of this event will be measured by number of players recruited as a result of this initiative. It is this reason that in our program we have youth coaches workshop to make sure there is alignment in what we doing and what we want to achieve.
“We are fortunate we will once again have couple of scouts attending the tournament this year to ensure that we continue to scout players capable to playing at the highest level like Sifiso Hlanti who is currently with AmaZulu FC,” said Nkosi.
“Education features prominently in this year’s programme and we would like to play our part in helping the Class of 2014 to make informed decisions when it comes to their future career paths. Proper career guidance will goes a long way in assisting the matriculates with early applications at universities and/further education and training colleges. We want to help in this regard.
"The past years has seen the likes of Andile Mxakaza [Isibaya], Matlatsi Mafatshe, Matli Mohapeloa [Zabalaza] taking on Ukhozi’s Irvin Hlophe, Linda Ximba [Isolezwe], etc and this year it won’t be different.
“We will also have a game featuring celebrities and media personalities...last year the game ended in a draw and there is a score to settle between the two sides in this year’s event. Celebrity team will once again feature some of the top actors in the country and sports personalities."
This year’s event coincides with the celebration of 20 Years of Democracy and Youth Month; “We can be proud to have seen our country celebrating 20 Years of Democracy and what a way to celebrate such an important milestone than providing an opportunity to the youth of Amajuba region to showcase their talent," Nkosi added.
“I would like to thank all those who have come out to support this initiative over the years and thus contributing to the late Nelson Mandela’s vision to create a better life for all."
In conclusion Nkosi thanked the media, Majuba District Municipality, Newcastle Municipality, Department of Sports and Recreation in KwaZulu/Natal PUMA, Ukhozi FM and eKhaya Lounge for throwing their weight behind the initiative.
