FINALISTS DRESSED UP FOR E30 000 ‘CARROT’

MBABANE – It is all systems go for Hhohho’s biggest knockout soccer tournament, the CHAPS Soka Nawe Soccer Challenge E150 000 FA Cup.

The games are played under the CHAPS banner to promote medical male circumcision. CHAPS is the Centre for HIV and AIDS Prevention Studies. Following an eventful tournament, the last two teams standing were presented with their new soccer kits ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Somhlolo National Stadium at 3pm. The champions will pocket a regional record prize of E30 000.

To battle it out for supremacy will be Zibonele Vultures, who prevailed from northern Hhohho, as well as National First Division-bound Vovovo from the Southern Zone.
Speaking during the event, Vusi Maziya, who is Male Circumcision’s Country Coordinator in the Ministry of Health, lauded the vision to use football to drive health messages.
“The campaign is directed at the right audience as men are often reluctant to visit health centres most of the time,” he said.

“We’d like to congratulate the Hhohho FA for the astute leadership. We hope they will produce future ‘Yuki’ Masinas.”
Sabelo Mlambo, from CHAPS, also lauded the partnership and saw light at the end of the tunnel in the quest to promote circumcision to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.
It is scientifically proven that circumcision reduces chances of contracting HIV by up to 60 per- cent. Condomising remains key even if one is circumcised.

Retired Swazi international Dennis ‘Yuki’ Masina, who is the initiative’s ambassador, was also present, expressing his delight to be incorporated in the noble campaign.
“May the best team win on Sunday, I’ll take to the field of play for a social game,” he said.

Masina will play for CHAPS XI who will face off with their Hhohho FA counterparts in a curtain-raiser at 11am.
Executive members of the Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA), led by shrewd Chairman Comfort Shongwe, also witnessed yesterday’s event.

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