South Africa Age 50+ Women’s Soccer Tournament, March 2023

International Women’s Soccer Tournament in South Africa (Amateur / Recreational)

Expect a unique opportunity to experience the local flavors and sights of Limpopo province during this friendly tournament hosted by the “Soccer Grannies of South Africa”!

Contact by e-mail: SAtournament2023@gmail.com

Open to women players over age 50 — all skill levels — and beginners are encouraged to join!

Quick link to tournament brochures (below)

When: March 23 – April 1, 2023 (Tournament dates are March 27-28-29)

Where: South Africa Limpopo Province (see maps at the bottom of this page)

Hosts: Mama Beka Ntsanwisi Foundation and Vakhegula Vakhegula Football Club

Teams: US, France, Benin, Togo, Zimbabwe. Mozambique, and many more

Format: 11v11 with 20- to 30-minute halves

Age Division: One division (50+) with up to 2 gifts ages 47 to 49 by December 31, 2023.

Costs: Airfare to Johannesburg, ground transportation, accommodations, meals (breakfast may be included with hotel stay), tours, pre-trip medical

Passport Requirements: Passport has to be valid for 6 months (November 2023) AND at least 2 blank pages in the passport. No visas needed.

CDC Guidelines:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa#vaccines-and-medi cines-PLEASE READ
Hep A and B, Malaria, routine vaccines, Typhoid, COVID-19 (up to date with vaccines)

Weather: Tzaneen in March 2022 was low 80s during the day and 60s at night

Background:

The South African Soccer Grannies started playing soccer about 15 years ago. In 2010 when South Africa hosted the World Cup, they were thrust into the international spotlight as a charming human interest story. A Massachusetts team invited them to attend the 2010 Veterans Cup tournament. Miracles fell into place and they made the trip. Teams from California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts played with the Soccer Grannies and were treated to their engaging and spirited song and dance.

The Massachusetts team visited the Soccer Grannies in 2011 and have remained in contact through the years. (In fact, Jean Duffy, one of the Massachusetts soccer players, has written a book about these inspiring women. Publication of “Soccer Grannies” is planned to coincide with the 2023 World Cup. Sign up for Jean’s newsletter at https://jeanduffy.com/)

Community activist Beka Ntsanwisi, who founded the team, now has 84 teams across every province of South Africa — all promoting better health among older women. She has organized this tournament for March 2023.

“When We Couldn’t Meet On The Soccer Field, We Danced — 8,000 Miles Apart” — May 05, 2021 by Jean Duffy
https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2021/05/05/covid19-south-africa-soccer-grannies-jean-duffy

“Un match de football entre mamies à Saint-Étienne, équipe de France contre Afrique du Sud”, Jeudi 20 juin 2019 à 1:19 – Par Fabrice Hawkins, France Bleu Saint-Étienne Loire, France Bleu
https://www.francebleu.fr/sports/football/un-match-de-football-entre-les-mamies-de-l-equipe-de-france-et-les-sud-africaines-a-saint-etienne-1560986381

https://www.soccergrannies.com