19 April 2020 – South Africa has been invited to participate in FIFA’s inaugural eNations Stay and Play Cup which will pit some of the world’s top gamers playing with top footballers globally.
FIFA with their partner Electronic Arts (EA Sports) have created an online competition for nations during the lockdown affecting most countries whose competitions have been suspended.
In the launch event that will kick-off on Tuesday, 21 April 2020, South Africa’s team, known as eBafana Bafana, will comprise of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns player Sibusiso Vilakazi, Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, musician Cassper Nyovest and well-known gamer, Thabo Moloi.
The FIFA eNations Stay and Play Cup is designed to encourage players and fans to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and South Africa is one of a select group of countries invited by the world governing body to participate. This is also done to support the World Health Organisation (WHO) in their fight against the coronavirus.
Inqaku FC (PTY) Ltd, in a licensed partnership with SAFA, have announced the team to represent South Africa on the Playstation platform with Thabo Moloi leading the pack. Moloi is a well-known gamer who has won various competitions and is the current leading South African on the FIFA gaming rankings on PS4.
The guest players to play with Moloi are Sibusiso Vilakazi, Kagiso Rabada and Cassper Nyovest to complete the eBafanaBafana team to compete in Group D from Tuesday, 21 April 2020.
The tournament has 40 nations broken down in three sections by time zone. SA is in the Central Section with 25 countries from Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The winners of each section win a “prize money donation” awarded to a national charity organisation fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. With its longstanding partnership with SAFA, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) has been chosen as team South Africa’s charity of choice.
SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan said all players and fans must stay safe during this period do their utmost to protect those that are most vulnerable.
“We are hoping to add a voice in the fight against the coronavirus by joining FIFA to drive the message of staying at home during this lockdown. The representatives must feel the same pride as members of our other national teams and have fun while they are spreading the message of observing the lockdown regulations to keep safe,” said Jordaan.
South Africa’s opening match is on Tuesday, 21 April at 17h00, against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interested fans can follow the action on digital platforms with highlights the following day on Supersport.
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