SOCCER DEVELOPMENT: The Chappies Little League Was Recorded Guinnes Book of Records' Biggest Soccer Tournament Ever In 2003

CITY PRESS

SPORT

JOHANNESBURG FINAL

Record-breaking Chappies Little League set to grow

AMOS MANANYETSO

BARELY a year after their return to football, sweet and chocolate giant Cadbury are not regretting their move to sponsor the United School Sport Association of South Africa (Ussasa) as they are on their way to rewriting the history books.

The Chappies Little League, which was relaunched this year with a R3 million per year sponsorship, surpassed the initial target to register about 2 500 primary schools around the country and amassed 6 023 schools.

As a result of that early success, veteran sports sponsorship consultant Geoff Wald flew to London this week to register the tournament with the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest soccer tournament ever.

The current record-holder listed by the Guinness Book of Records is a tournament held in South Korea that drew 5 000 teams.

"The response by schools was overwhelming and it gives us courage to think what we can do to expand and cover almost every school-going kid in the country," said Wald.

Chappies brand marketing manager Moshe Kola said his company was delighted at the overwhelming success of the competition and were looking at expanding next year's event.

"When we signed the contract with Ussasa, our target was to reach at least 2 500 of the 18 000 primary schools in the country and grow gradually with time. What happened is like a miracle.

"That is why we want to register the tournament in the Guinness Book of Records . If our registration is accepted, not only will it make us and Ussasa proud, but mostly the children who kicked the ball during the games," said Kola.

Kola said his company was looking at involving the girls when the school soccer season began next year or launching a regional tournament that will include winners from South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland.

Ussasa soccer secretary and SA Football Association/Transnet Sport School of Excellence manager Steve Pila was also excited about the latest developments.

"This is a confirmation that South Africa is one of the best footballing nations in the world.

"The Chappies Little League is not a new concept and we all know its successes during the 1980s before it was terminated ," Pila said.

Among top players who once played in the tournament are Junaid Hartley, Thabo Mooki and Brian Baloyi.

SOURCE: CITY PRESS SPORT
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