Safa Cape Town’s launch of the 29th edition of the prestigious Coke Cup was really refreshing – pardon the pun!
It was an event with a twist and way different than the monotony of previous years. In a nutshell it was a fun and entertaining function held at the Home of Soccer in Cape Town, the Athlone Stadium on Thursday evening.
The popcorn machines and waffle stick idea – which flowed freely – created a real movie theatre-like vibe as well as the lights (purposefully) cut with gleaming colours of blue in the hall was unexpected, but yet refreshing. There was even an interval (break) to empty the tanks.
So too was dancing to the tune of “Welcome to Cape Town” with its Kaapse Klopse vibe which had the dignitaries and former pro players and Western Cape Federations Legends also on their feet jiving to the tune.
I guess it’s fair to say that the 29th edition will surely stand out for obvious reasons and nothing but praise should be heaped onto the region’s marketing and commercial teams as well as everyone else who contributed to ensure that Masita Sportswear along with everyone were bedazzled.
Masita’s chairman Vivek Kohli (pictured left), who was given a crash course by Heart 104.9’s sport anchor Gershwan Coetzee on the proper Cape Town lingo with words like “Awe” and “Lekka” which rolled off the tongue of the charismatic and easy-going Kohli – much to the enjoyment of the attendees.
Kohli, who took control of the 91-year-old Dutch-brand last year, has vowed that Masita is in it for the long haul – just as they have shown their commitment to table tennis in South Africa for more than two decades already.
One very encouraging revelation from Kohli was that a bigger emphasis should be placed on school’s sports with an academy in the pipeline as well.
“We are here to make a difference to society and schools are key for any sport to grow,” Kohli said to No Bones with Jones. “We are discussing starting an academy, nurturing talent and also women’s sport. Womens sport is key to the development of women and to develop a whole family. So, we want to help women grow in soccer and through the sport we can make a change,” the Masita boss added.
Meanwhile Safa Cape Town president Bennett Bailey (pictured right) has highlighted the important role of the oldest cup competition in the Mother City.
“It is a known fact that sport helps to curb crime in our communities,” Bailey pointed out.
“The stats show that when sport and football are played over weekends the crime rate goes down. So, that is why it is important for us to go to these so-called dangerous areas to help bring about change,” Bailey concluded.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY CONRAY SWAIL
