Football has no age! Grannies International Football Tournament to kick off tomorrow

Limpopo, South Africa: 16 international elderly women teams are set to face each other in a four-day tournament which promotes age inclusivity in Women’s football (Grannies International Football Tournament).

The first edition of the competition will be hosted in South Africa from 26-29 March 2023, with the idea that it repeats every two years. In order to participate, women must be over the age of 50.

The idea of forming a Grannies team (Vakhegula-Vakhegula) came in 2007, when Beka Ntsanwisi thought it would be a great social gathering to keep women fit. Since then, the team has had success in South Africa, even attending various FIFA World tournament.

"At my age, I think if I was not in this sport I should have been confined to a wheelchair," said 66-year-old striker Flora Baloi, who started playing in 2017 after suffering from severe arthritis. Now she said she no longer needs medication, as the exercise keeps her physically and mentally fit. When not practicing with the team, she likes watching soccer on TV with her husband and spending time with her five grandsons." (In the NewTimes)

The Grannies International Football Tournament was initially supposed to feature 20 teams, 13 International and 7 South African. Unfortunately, as a new concept as well as first edition, some teams were not able to collect enough funds.

“I’m excited and I didn’t expect this and we have sixteen teams. We have teams from Mozambique, the United States, Denmark and France. Some teams from Malawi and Togo were not able to make it because of a lack of funds. This tournament has a lot of potentials but we need more support from sporting bodies and sponsors.”

Grannies International Football Tournament Format

Following the group stages, the semifinals and finals will take place on the final followed by the closing ceremony. The runners-up will receive R20 000 while the winners will earn R50 000 in addition to a Trophy.