Africa-Press – Eswatini. The much-anticipated Yithi Abantu 7-A-Side Football Festival returns on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, promising a thrilling blend of football, conversation, and community spirit. Former Ezulwini United player and captain, Smoothies Dlamini, is urging everyone to join this vibrant event that has quickly become a highlight on Eswatini’s sporting calendar.
Now in its third edition, the festival has grown from a modest regional tournament organized by the Abaphile Foundation into a marquee event that combines competitive seven-a-side football with a powerful social message. The festival’s core mission is to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV), using football as a platform for dialogue, healing, and unity.
The tournament’s format is fierce and straightforward: 32 teams divided into eight groups, with only the group winners advancing to the knockout stage. This structure guarantees high stakes and intense matches from the first whistle. Among the competitors are defending champions Night Shift, along with notable teams like Ngwane Park Aces, Nyamane Classic, All Nations, Kwaluseni Rebels, and perennial favorites Vutsa Stars. Featuring a mix of Premier League stars, seasoned veterans, and ambitious young players, the competition promises to be electric.
But the festival is about more than just football. The Abaphile Foundation, in partnership with sponsors such as Instacash and Remin Sports Wear, emphasizes the event’s role in fostering social change. Beyond the pitch, attendees can enjoy dance battles, a women’s penalty shootout challenge this are all designed to engage the community in a fun yet meaningful way.
Dlamini highlights that the Yithi Abantu 7s is a unique occasion where sport meets social advocacy, creating a space for honest conversations without judgment. As the festival continues to grow, it not only entertains but also educates and unites, leaving a lasting impact on players and fans alike.
This July 5, football lovers and community members alike are invited to experience a day where the beautiful game becomes a catalyst for positive change.
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