Brewing the first of its kind, the ESCN hosted the DSTV Ekasi Champ of Champs Eastern Gauteng qualifiers on the 27th and 28th of May at Vosloorus Stadium.
The tournament featured teams from across the Eastern region competing for a spot in the eight spots at the Dstv Champ of Champs kicking off on the 15th of June 2023.
Speaking to the Co-Founder of the Elkasico Cup Sports Network, Kefentse Moagi, he mentioned that the football tournament was organised with the purpose of promoting and celebrating not only football but sports in general.
“The tournament aims to provide a platform for football players to showcase their skills and compete against each other at a high level of performance. It also offers entertainment and excitement to fans and spectators.”
The vision of the Elkasico Cup includes fostering a sense of community among sports enthusiasts, encouraging sportsmanship and fair play, and inspiring young athletes to pursue their passion and strive for excellence. The tournament also seeks to enhance the visibility and popularity of the sport, attract sponsors and partners, and contribute to the growth and development of the sport at various levels.
“The event was beneficial to the community in a sense that not only did it provide entertainment but it also gave an opportunity to the local vendors to be able to trade thus addressing the socio-economic challenges faced in the community by attracting visitors, creating job opportunities,” mentioned Moagi.
He further said the event brought the community together, fostering a sense of unity and pride. Additionally, it may inspire individuals to engage in physical activity, promoting a healthier lifestyle and well-being.
The Elkasico Cup Sports Network provides opportunities for volunteerism and community engagement, bringing people closer and strengthening social bonds.
The Qualifiers being the first of its kind as was brewed from an interest in most Township-based football tournaments who wanted to be a part of the Champ of Champs therefore a decision was made to cast the net wide and start involving teams around the province and some from out of the province seeing that this would grow to be a national tournament in the future.
The win saw the Black Poison team from Orlando, Soweto and spotted themselves a spot in the 8 spots available for the DSTV Champ of Champs.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
