All set for Cookhouse’s second GBV Soccer tournament
The highly anticipated 2nd edition of the Gender-based Violence (GBV) Soccer Tournament is set to take place this coming weekend, 25th-26th of November, at the Bongweni Location in Cookhouse.
The event, which is being hosted by the Cookhouse Sustainable Community Development Forum (CSCDF), features 10 teams – eight men’s and two women’s – who will be competing for the title of champions.
The first edition of the tournament was hosted in November 2022. Following its success, the Cookhouse Wind Farm chose to continue its partnership with the CSCDF and return with a second instalment of the event.
The Chairman of the CSCDF, Fezekile Cotani, recognised an urgent need to address ongoing issues of gender-based violence in the community and its surroundings.
Cotani said most women in the surrounding areas have been subjected to abusive relationships due to high levels of alcoholism among their male counterparts.
“To raise awareness and to promote a culture of respect and equality, we have decided to host the Gender-Based Violence tournament and use the popular sport of soccer to shine the spotlight on this scourge”, he said.
The CSCDF, with its partner Cookhouse Wind Farm, is committed to making a positive impact and to fostering lasting change in the lives of livelihoods affected by Gender-based violence.
“Addressing these problems is paramount in creating a safer, more equal community where GBV is not tolerated. The GBV Soccer tournament aims to raise awareness but also provide opportunities for education, empowerment and community engagement. By doing so, we hope to contribute to a society where everyone can live freely from the fear of violence and discrimination”, Cotani wrote.
SuperSport Schools will be streaming the tournament’s games, so if you can’t make it to the grounds at the Bongweni sports field, you can watch them on the SuperSport Schools App or channel 216 on DStv. The venue was selected for its central location and accessibility to competing teams and fans of the beautiful game.
For the first time, in 2023, two women’s teams will be in action.
PURPOSE
“The purpose of the GBV Soccer tournament is to raise awareness about gender-based violence and to promote a culture of respect, equality and non-violence within our communities,” Cotani said. “Through this event, we aim to aim to achieve a number of objectives: promote gender equality, empower survivors of gender-based violence, foster community engagement, collaborate with stakeholders, and raise funds for GBV support services. Through these objectives, we envision creating a safer, more supportive and inclusive community.”
Added Attractions
The GBV soccer tournament will be preceded by a Gala Dinner facilitated by Noloyiso Bonga, a sports presenter on Umhlobo Wenene FM. Tru-FM radio personalities, Slujah Bunu, who presents the Lunch Time Shandis, and Luyolo Mkalipi, a sports presenter of TruBreakfast show, will also attend the event to show their support.
Entrepreneur and author, Luvuyo “Vovo” Ngxiki, will be the keynote speaker at the Gala Dinner.
CSCDF Chairman Fezekile Cotani said: “This exciting event will create 25 job opportunities for residents, fostering economic empowerment within the community. Vendors will have an opportunity to sell their products on the field, a further boost to the local economy.”
Fixtures
Match 1: 10:00
Youth Cosmos vs Goal Fighters
Match 2: 12:00
Blue Crane FC vs Crusaders FC
Match 3: 14:00
Bongweni United vs Blue Crane Soccer Academy
Match 4: 16:00
City Spurs vs Mighty Boys
