International Grannies stranded as sponsors pull out

The Grannies International Football Tournament [GIFT] scheduled to start on Sunday will go ahead despite the major challenges faced, including claims that some nations are stranded with no accommodation.

The tournament for Women above the age of 50 is scheduled to take place in Nkowa-Nkowa, Limpopo from 26-29 March 2023. Countries that have been confirmed include Zambia, France, Denmark, the USA, Mali, Togo, Senegal, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Zambia Minister of Sports Elvis Nkandu will also be attending the historic event.

On the official poster as posted by the Limpopo Provincial Government on Wednesday, the sponsors include the Limpopo Department of Sport, Limpopo Tourism Agency, Mopani District Municipality, Greater Tzaneen Municipality, SAFA and Limpopo Sports Confederation.

But it turns out some of the Grannies from the International teams will not have places to sleep after sponsors, including the government, pulled out at the last minute.

INTERNATIONAL GRANNIES STRANDED WITH NO ACCOMMODATION

According to the organisers, the commitment from the government was just a pipe dream and they have made a plea to any Samaritan to come to the rescue. This comes as the French Grannies have no way to sleep in Polokwane from Thursday.

“We had many promises from different individuals and governments. But those people are no longer taking our calls, Khensani Ntsanwisi from the Beka Ntsanwisi Foundation told FARPost.

“So the Grannies don’t have accommodation for tonight in Polokwane. We had to cancel the Gala dinner scheduled for Saturday, 25 March, because there is nothing we can do.”

“Now we have to send out messages to inform people that the Gala dinner has been cancelled, which is very painful,” she explained.

“We only have individual business people who are just contributing from R 500 to R 1000. We don’t have accommodation for the Grannies from Zambia who are still coming, never mind those who have just arrived today.”

GOVERNMENT STILL COMMITTED TO THE TOURNAMENT

Spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Kenny Mathivha has refuted claims. In response to the questions by FARPost, Mathivha says they have committed over R500 000 for the tournament.

“Vakhegula-Vakhegula is a very important program in the province for various reasons,” said Mathivha.

“For this tournament in question, we have dedicated funding of more than R500 000. The breakdown is for accommodation for more than 90 people that includes breakfast and dinner. We have funded their transport and have also funded their gear, which includes shirts, boots and soccer balls. It is R500 000 in total.

“Any other shortfall is not and cannot be blamed on the government. Besides, lotteries and municipalities are part of the government. Therefore the funding from the Limpopo government might exceed millions,” he said.

RELATED STORY: SA to host first grannies international football tournament