POLOKWANE – MEPS soccer players Gundo Phakathi and Phindulo Bvumbi were recently invited to participate in the Bifa Youth Charity Cup for u/13 and u/15 teams, taking place in Rustenburg on November 26–29.

The youth tournament, which will be hosted at the Royal Marang Complex and Olympia Park Stadium, is the pillar of the Bifa Queens and Legends Charity Cup, themed ‘When Legends Rise, Queens Lead’.

National chairperson of the Brics Women’s Business Alliance South Africa, Princess Lebogang Zulu, said the cup brings together leading youth academies and development clubs across various categories.

“This is a platform to showcase emerging African talent before scouts, federations and professional clubs from South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, China, the UAE and Indonesia.”

She also added that the Youth Charity Cup creates a unique recruitment environment, with scouts and professional clubs from across different countries, while monitoring performances at the same time.

“This positions the school athletes for international pathways, scholarships and future professional contracts. Their participation will ensure that this historic moment resonates across Brics+ nations, showcasing unity through sport, culture and shared progress,” Zulu said.

Bvumbi and Phakathi’s coach, Jannie Newman congratulated the boys: “Good luck in the tournament, boys! As we’ve always practiced and believed, go out there and leave everything on the field. Play with heart, play as a team, and most importantly, have fun. We’re proud of you no matter what. Bring home the trophy.”

Zulu concluded that the organisation looks forward to hosting the youth soccer duo in Rustenburg, on behalf of the Bifa Queens and Legends Charity Cup organising committee.