JOHANNESBURG -- South Africa's Jomo Cosmos FC will next Sunday play former Zimbabwe premiership champions- Highlanders at Johannesburg Stadium in a match that organisers say is meant to say no to xenophobic violence which has reared its ugly again in South Africa in recent weeks. (Pictured:
The tournament, dubbed Ubuntu Derby is aimed at bringing awareness, promoting unity and togetherness between locals and non-South Africans living in the country.
The charity match was organised by mobile cell-phone giant, Econet Wireless South Africa, Southern Africa Womens Institute for Migration Affairs (SAWIMA), ACTION Support Centre (ACTION) and Population Council.
In an interview last Friday, SAWIMA executive director Joyce Dube said the idea to host the soccer was conceived following the previous orgy of xenophobic violence, which left 62 people dead and thousands of others displaced from their homes.
“The aim of this soccer match is to bring together all Africans in South Africa. People from all walks of life are invited to celebrate their cultural richness, diversity, and most importantly to embrace their differences through soccer, drama, poetry music and traditional dances,” said Dube.
Before taking to the field, Highlanders and Jomo Cosmos are schedule to hold a press briefing at the Central Methodist Church where more than 3000 asylum seekers and refugees reside.
The match kicks-off 1:00pm with tickets being available at Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers at costs of R20, Grand Stand-R30 while VIP costs R50 respectively.
Post published in: Football