The tournament organisers together with the Standard Bank Foundation have arranged a parallel edutainment campaign involving players from all teams participating in the competition to communicate important messages about the pandemic.

On the cards in Mafikeng and Durban, are two-day programmes comprising live entertainment by kwaito group Alaska, drum majorettes, fun soccer related competitions, give-aways and other activities in which players from Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Asante Kotoko, and St Eloi Lupopo will participate to help bring to the attention of young fans key issues about HIV-Aids.

Last year the tournament was linked to a safety and security campaign as it followed the stadium tragedies experienced by the teams both from South Africa and Ghana.

“The tragedies were common to all four teams, and the Vodacom Challenge played an important role in bringing about healing for all involved.

“This year, we have turned our collective focus to raising awareness about HIV-Aids amongst our youth. Soccer players are heroes to these kids, and we believe that if they can use this admiration to the advantage of educating youngsters about Aids, all the better,” said Irvin Khoza, tournament patron.

“I applaud the players from all four teams for throwing their weight behind the efforts of the organisers. They are taking time out from their training and preparations for the games on the 7th and 14th, to conduct these ‘kick-abouts’ and their commitment is fantastic,” said Andrew Mthembu, deputy CEO of Vodacom Group.

“Standard Bank acknowledges that we have a part to play in educating our youth. We are therefore proud to be part of an initiative promoting a message that encourages children to have an enlightened and caring attitude about a disease which has affected so many millions of people,” said Andrea Parkerson of The Standard Bank Foundation.

The Vodacom Challenge HIV-Aids Outreach programme is going to take place at the International School of South Africa in Mafikeng, Mmabatho on 5 and 6 July starting at 13:30 and 08:30 respectively.

Details about the Durban programme will be released early next week.