The King of Glory provincial tournament is set to return this weekend in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, with a strong lineup of teams and scouts from Premier Soccer League teams in attendance. The tournament, now a leading platform for linking players from Eastern Cape development structures to PSL teams, has confirmed the participation of 32 senior teams, 16 U17 teams, and 16 netball teams.
African champions Mamelodi Sundowns will send a delegation of two coaches to the tournament, following their successful scouting mission last year. During the previous edition, Downs scouted centre-back Lwandile Godloza, who is currently operating in the developmental ranks and working to break into the Diski Challenge team. The team also identified Lakham Gqongo and Ukhonaye Magele, part of the SA U20 Cosafa Cup-winning team in Mozambique.
The brains behind the competition, Sbusiso Nodada, aims to unearth more talented players for the national level over the weekend. Nodada has expressed satisfaction with the tournament's growth and its impact on changing young players' lives through sport. The defending champions are Kilimanjaro from Buffalo Flats (seniors), Coastal All Nation (U17), and Olutsha Sunbirds (netball), who will be looking to win back-to-back titles.
The tournament has established relationships with PSL clubs and the University of Fort Hare, allowing top-quality players to be identified and potentially taken into their ranks. The prizes for the tournament will range from R30,000 for seniors to R15,000 for the U17s. The event is expected to attract notable attendees, including former PSL star Andile Jali and provincial sport MEC Sibulele Ngongo.
The King of Glory tournament has grown significantly since its inception, now accommodating teams from across Buffalo City and beyond. This expansion demonstrates the tournament's increasing reputation and appeal to teams from a wider area. The event's organizers have confirmed that preparations are underway and are set for a successful weekend.
The Eastern Cape sport MEC, Sibulele Ngongo, and other notable figures are expected to attend the tournament, highlighting its importance in the region's sporting calendar. With its strong lineup of teams and scouts, the King of Glory tournament is poised to provide a valuable platform for young players to showcase their talents.
As the tournament gets underway, teams will be vying for top honors and the chance to be scouted by PSL teams. The event's success in linking players to professional teams has been evident in previous years, with several players going on to play for top teams. The King of Glory tournament continues to play a vital role in identifying and nurturing young talent in the region.
Key points
- The King of Glory tournament features 32 senior teams, 16 U17 teams, and 16 netball teams competing for prizes ranging from R30,000 to R15,000.
