Following a successful opening to the DStv-sponsored Philly’s Games in Tembisa yesterday, tournament ambassador, Themba Zwane has reflected on the importance of having such competitions shown live on Television.
Zwane, who has grown into a household name in the DStv Premiership is a product of this tournament and believes the tournament has entered an entirely new and improved stage, thanks to its partnership with DStv.
The Tembisa-born star says he was fortunate to have been scouted there but a lot of talent goes unnoticed because there are no such partnerships and support that affords talent an opportunity to be seen on TV.
“When we were playing in this tournament, we hoped and prayed that there would be a scout from a big club that sees our talent. You would sometimes have a good game but be unfortunate not to have a scout present on that day. However, now that the games are live on SuperSport, fans, coaches and scouts can see talent from wherever they are in the country”, says Zwane.
“Mshishi”, as the midfielder is affectionately known from his playing days at the Philly’s Games adds that apart from entertaining the fans and viewers at home, players need to use the SuperSport platform to their advantage because the live games means that scouts from outside of Gauteng will now be seeing their talent.
“This partnership provides great entertainment for fans across the country, but more importantly for me now as a professional, it affords aspiring footballers the opportunity to be seen by clubs outside of Gauteng, which really opens up opportunities for youngsters to maybe even play in the DStv Diski Challenge, which is also a great stepping stone to professional football”, he concluded.
The DStv-sponsored tournament attracts record crowd attendance on a daily basis, affording fans live entertainment throughout the festive season and through this DStv partnership, all matches are now live on SuperSport channel 202 and 209.
In addition to the 13-Days of live football action and entertainment, fans will be treated to exciting fan engagement competitions as part of the DStv #Kuzobamnandi festive season campaign.
2022/23 PHILLY’GAMES FIXTURE DATES & VENUES:
Maseven Ivory – 19, 20 and 21 December
Etafuleni Ivory – 22, 23 and 24 December
Phomolong Sport Complex Tembisa – 26, 27 and 28 December
Esiqongweni ,Tembisa - 29, 30 December and 1 January
Mehlareng, Tembisa 2 January (Final)
PRIZE MONIES:
1st Prize R200 000.00
2nd Prize R70 000.00
3rd Prize R20 000.00
4th Prize R10 000.00