Match day will kick off on Saturday 12th April 2025 with all-girl soccer teams from six high schools competing in the one-day Local Meet the World with SKF Cup tournament to decide who will represent SKF South Africa at the prestigious Gothia Cup, the world’s largest international youth football tournament, which takes place annually in July, in Göteborg, Sweden.
The players, aged between 11 and 14, will represent Springs Technical High School (host), Tersia King Learning Academy, HS Elsburg, Buckinghham, Dinwiddie High and HS Goudrif. Three points are awarded for a win, one point for a draw and no points for a loss. If tied, rankings are determined by goal difference, followed by goals scored, head-to-head results and finally a penalty shoot-out – in accordance with FIFA rules. The two best teams will go head-to-head in the final to vie for top honours and the enviable opportunity to represent their country in Sweden.
The local champions, made up of 16 players and four adult supervisors, will be flown at no expense from South Africa to Göteborg, Sweden. In addition to match uniforms, complimentary accommodation and three daily meals, Team SKF South Africa will have free access to all tournament activities throughout the duration of the Soccer Tournament.
SKF is the proud main sponsor of the Gothia Cup which debuted in 1975 with 275 teams. Today, around 1 700 teams participate in this epic tournament which takes place each July when around 40 000 players from 80 nations gather in Göteborg, Sweden, taking to the pitch to play 4 500 matches on 110 fields. A staggering 1 000 000 individuals from 148 countries have attended Gothia Cup to date.
The Gothia Cup represents teamwork, responsibility, equal opportunity and commitment to youth across the globe, earning the name ‘Meet the World’. Here diversity takes to the field, creating a platform for individuals of all religions, cultures, races and backgrounds to come together, connect and learn about one another through ‘the beautiful game’.
“We take immense pride in continuing our tradition of sponsoring the local event, with 2025 marking our fourth year as hosts,” says SKF South Africa’s Industrial Distribution and Regional Sales Manager, Saien Rugdeo. The tournament resonates with us, aligning with our compelling gender diversity narrative.”
“We are looking forward to crowning our local winning team on the 12th giving the talented group of young ladies a once-in-a- life-time opportunity to demonstrate their football skills in Sweden and compete for the Gothia Cup,” expresses Saien passionately. “We wish all the players the very best of luck. The ball is now at their feet and the world-pitch is their stage!”
