The preparations to host Bra Dzu’s third edition soccer tournament are at an advanced stage, as the event will take place next month.
The information was revealed by one of the event organisers, Wanda Mtwa, who is a former Blackburn Rovers (then National First Division team) player.
The event is named after the then Blackburn Rovers player, the late Dumentlango “Bra Dzu” Koyana, who played a big role in sports development, mainly soccer in the Mnquma area, after his retirement.
Under 13 and u/19 teams from Mnquma Local Football Association (Mnquma LFA) are expected to compete in Bra Dzu’s third edition soccer tournament to be staged at Walter Sisulu University Bika Campus, near Butterworth town, on Saturday, August 26 to Sunday, August 27.
Mtwa, who used to be coached by the late Koyana during his playing days at Walter Sisulu University and in Blackburn Rovers, said that they are wrapping up their preparations for the event and already have prizes like trophies, medals, kits and other football equipment such as balls, cones, markers, etc.
He said that the event is significant to them, as former professional players and football structures, as they use it to honour and remember the contribution of the late Bra Dzu in sports development in the Mnquma area and throughout the country.
Furthermore, he said that by hosting this event annually, they plan to keep the name of the late Bra Dzu alive in sports circles so that everyone could understand or know his contribution to sport, particularly in the Mnquma area, where he contributed to many professional players’ careers such as the likes of former TS Galaxy goalkeeper, Ludwe Mpakumpaku, and Luxolo Matikinca, who is currently Sekhukhune general manager, and other former professional players.
Mtwa concluded by saying that everyone is invited to come and support their teams when they compete in the highly-anticipated Bra Dzu’s third edition soccer tournament. FC Tshabalala, last year’s u/13 champions, will be there to defend their title.
