Africa Day Celebrated With Soccer Festival Rich In Culture And Heritage | Western Cape Government

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Africa Day Celebrated With Soccer Festival Rich In Culture And Heritage

23 May 2016

A feeling of great excitement and enthusiasm engulfed the sports grounds at the Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha on Saturday 21 May 2016 during the soccer festival in celebration of Africa Day, which is commemorated on 25 May.

Hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in conjunction with the Khayelitsha Sport Council, this soccer festival brought together teams representing different cultures and countries. The teams participating in the competition consisted entirely of adult players.

By the end of the Africa Day Soccer Festival, Team Mandela Park walked away with victory, with Khayelitsha LFA as the runner up and Phillipi LFA in third place.

Siya Ponoane of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Cape Town said that it was an honour for him to be involved in Africa Day and that “we are celebrating ubuntu and saying no to xenophobia. Good luck to all the teams and please feel welcome and free to participate. Thank you to DCAS for bringing these events to the so-called townships and promoting it,” he said.

Thabo Tutu, DCAS director of Sport Promotion, said that in this celebration of Africa Day, as part of the contribution by the Western Cape Government, all were welcome and invited to enjoy the day’s festivities. “I would like to thank the Khayelitsha Sport Council for ensuring that we can be here today. We will continue to work with other stakeholders and ensure that sport continues to grow,” he said.

Africa has a rich and diverse heritage and is a key partner for development. Come celebrate our dynamic opportunities and achievements. Let us inspire a united sense of African Pride, BETTER TOGETHER.

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za