November 3, 2003
By Lucky Sindane
WHILE South Africa goes all out to prove to the footballing nations it is capable of hosting an event on the level of the Soccer World Cup, it already holds a record for hosting the largest soccer tournament in the world.
Between March and September this year a total of 6 023 teams, with 138 529 players, took part in a national tournament, which has now been recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest football tournament in the world.
The tournament is the children's under 12 Chappies Little League, held on soccer fields across the length and breadth of South Africa under the watchful eyes of the United Schools Sports Association of South Africa (Ussasa).
Praising Ussasa's achievement, the Premier Soccer League CEO, Trevor Phillips described the outcome as "brilliant". "Ussasa and Chappies need to be congratulated on an absolutely stunning achievement, which has brought pride and honour to South Africa," Phillips added.
Each of the 6 023 teams played a minimum of four games during the tournament, which meant that a minimum of 24 092 games were played between in April and September.
The tournament started in April at zone level, progressed to district level, on to regional and provincial level and then to the national finals, held at the Transnet School of Excellence, at the Nasrec Centre, south of Johannesburg.
Said SA 2010 bid chairman, Irvin Khoza: "The mind boggles at the idea of 6 023 teams. The logistics are frightening, yet it's been done. We can all be proud."
"We salute those Ussasa officials, most of whom are volunteers, who organised the Chappies Little League under very trying circumstances," said Ussasa chairman, Shoes Mazibuko. The officials had undertaken the arduous task not just for the love of soccer, but "because of their love, dedication and passion for our children".
Guinness has officially verified the record. "Guinness World Records are delighted to be associated with such a staggering achievement and are proud to award a new world record," said Guinness researcher and adjudicator, Chris Marais.
The entry will be registered in the 2005 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. The previous record was held by Thailand, who hosted an international six-aside tournament with 5 000 teams.
Said SA 2010 bid CEO, Danny Jordaan: "I always said we had the capacity to organise international world events and this proves it."
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