The tournament was launched last year to repel looming attacks on foreign nationals by South Africans, who threatened to beat up foreigners after the 2010 soccer World Cup. Although the attacks did happen in some parts of the country, they did not materialise as expected.
This year there will be intensified dialogue in the communities, where we will request respected people within chosen communities to lead the discussions, so that they appeal to locals for co-existence with their fellow Africans, said Janet Munakamwe, the deputy director at the Southern African Womens Institute for Migration Affairs, organisers of the event.
Although teams to take part in the soccer match have not been confirmed, indications are that a Harare-based PSL giant will take part this year, as negotiations have already begun, while in South Africa, a PSL team from Gauteng will take part.
The 2011 edition of the festival will also be held in Johannesburg beginning April, with the soccer match scheduled for April 19.
Post published in: Football