Premier’s Cup soccer tournament to boost Zululand tourism
|Published
Durban — Tourism in the Zululand district in northern KwaZulu-Natal, is expected to receive a major boost when football fans descend on the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Stadium in Ulundi, for this year’s edition of the Premier’s Cup on Saturday and Sunday.
The event features all Premier Soccer League clubs in the province including Amazulu FC, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Royal AM, Maritzburg United and Richards Bay FC. Empangeni based Milford FC, from the lower leagues, will be participating in the tournament for the first time.
This 8th edition, was launched last week by Premier Thami Ntuli and the Arts, and Culture and Sports MEC Mntomuhle Khawula.
Ntuli said the tournament was part of extending football development to rural areas. However, for the Zululand District Municipality it was also an opportunity for boosting the local economy through tourism.
In a statement, the Zululand District Municipality Mayor, Michael Mkhonyovu Khumalo, said his municipality was ready to welcome the football teams and fans. He said the tournament would be an opportunity for the district to showcase its rich culture and heritage.
“It is always a pleasure for us to have visitors as we believe that we are among the biggest districts in the province. As ZDM we believe in the power of sports, and we promote healthy lifestyles in our communities. It has always been our passion to uplift the community by encouraging sport. It has always been a unifying force that brings people from diverse backgrounds and foster social cohesion,” said the mayor.
This pre-soccer tournament will see KZN’s finest six soccer teams battling for the top prize. On Saturday, defending champions AmaZulu will be facing Lamontville Golden Arrows in the opening play-off. The second play-off will see Royal AM facing Milford FC. On Sunday, Maritzburg United and Richards Bay United will face each other. The finals will be played on Sunday.
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