BY VUYISWA MABILA
MBABANE – This weekend, two of Eswatini’s leading football sides will step onto foreign soil with more than victory at stake. Tabankulu Celtics and Malanti Chiefs will compete in the Red Card for GBV International Tournament, set for Saturday, 17 August 2025, at Lynville Stadium in South Africa.
The event blends competitive football with a strong social mission — confronting Gender-Based Violence through sport. Teams from across Southern Africa will join forces, using the tournament as a platform to speak out against abuse and promote safer communities.
The day’s fixtures open at 9:00am, when Celtics meet Tshwane University of Technology eMalahleni. Malanti will then take on Secunda M Stars at 11:00am. The afternoon will feature a third-place playoff for the morning’s losing sides, followed by the championship match at 3:30pm.
For Eswatini, having two representatives in the lineup is a mark of pride and a public show of unity in addressing GBV. It also underscores how football can transcend sport to influence society in meaningful ways.
Organisers say supporters can expect not only fast-paced action on the pitch, but also lively performances, community engagement, and strong messages of advocacy woven throughout the programme.
The Red Card for GBV International Tournament is designed to inspire, educate, and unite, proving once again that football can be a force for positive change. For both Celtics and Chiefs, the goal is clear — represent the kingdom with distinction and contribute to a cause that matters well beyond the final score.
(Courtesy Pic)
