LIMPOPO – The Grannies International Football Tournament (GIFT) is bringing cultures together and adding fun to the world of soccer. The event, which kicked off on Wednesday morning at Nkowankowa Stadium, takes place every two years and brings together women aged 50 and above from various countries.

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Vakhegula Vakhegula FC parade during the opening ceremony of Grannies International Football Tournament at Nkowankowa Stadium. #vakhegulavakhegula #MamaBeka

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On the first day, the grannies impressed with their performances. The opening match was between the host team, Vakhegula Vakhegula FC, and Mozambique Grannies. The hosts claimed a 3-1 victory, making it clear they intend to keep the trophy at home.

The results of the other seven matches were as follows:

• Soccer Sisters from the United States of America (USA) beat Dikgoshigadi 2-0.
• New England Breakers (USA) won 4-0 against Femme Foot from Togo.
• Mutei Grannies from Kenya lost 0-1 to Thulamahashe Grannies.
• Les Zamies Foot from France thrashed Thembisa Gogos 7-0.
• Les Reines Du Foot from France drew 0-0 with Soweto Gogos.
• Vakhegula Vakhegula FC played their second match of the day and triumphed 7-0 over the Cape Town Grannies.
• The final match of the day saw Soccer Sisters defeat Pietermaritzburg Grannies 2-0.

Before the matches began, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony. She praised Beka Ntsanwisi, the founder of the grannies’ football teams and the visionary behind GIFT, for uniting the world through soccer and doing something truly groundbreaking.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Princess Nkakasana Muhlava; MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Jerry Maseko; Kenya’s Minister of Youth Affairs and ICT, Lucy Joronge; and Selina Monyepao, CEO of the South African Football Association.

The tournament will conclude on Saturday.