MANZINI: The Bible Society has partnered with One Billion Rising and the Manzini Municipality to bring the Bible into the soccer field.
On Thursday, the annual Bible Society Cup was officially launched at the Bible Society offices in Mahlanya, the event was attended by, among others, senior officials within the Premier League of Eswatini(PLE).
Four eSwatini soccer teams that include Manzini Wanderers, Mbabane Highlanders, Manzini Sundowns, Moneni Pirates are expected to participate in the one day tournament on the 30th July 2022, fans are urged to bring their SiSwati Bibles to gain entry at the Mavuso Sports Ground.
Dr Ngcebo Mbuli, the Bible Society Chief Executive Officer(CEO) invited citizens and families to come in their numbers for the tournament.
“The tournament was only affected by COVID-19 and couldn't play in 2020 and 2021. It is with huge excitement that the tournament is back this year. We also applaud the new partners, One Billion Rising and Manzini Municipal Council for joining.The Bible is the only book that unifies everyone and as the Bible society we urge everyone to uphold Bible principles,”he said.
One Billion Rising Africa Regional Coordinator Colani Hlatjwako said the sport remains a vehicle for development and the promotion of and peace and stability.
”We live in a society of angry people who believe in violence or abuse as a solution to resolve conflicts. As a campaign, we applaud the Bible Society for the consistency in hosting the tournament and ensuring that it remains peaceful,” said the One Billion Rising Africa Coordinator.
Petros Vilakati, the Chief Operations Officer(COO) of the Premier League of Eswatini(PLE) encouraged teams not to engage in any violent activities during the tournament, he urged teams to sit together and demonstrate unity.
He further challenged other partners to join or support the tournament.
BRINGING THE BIBLE IN THE SOCCER FIELD: Bible Society Cup partners with One Billion Rising.