MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG – THE continent is set to benefit from the Spanish Premiership’s internationalisation strategy and commitment to the development of football all over the world.

The relations have been cemented during recently-concluded Future Champions Gauteng, ironically won by Atletico Madrid, whose participation La Liga facilitated.

“We’re here in South Africa to stay,” Antonio Barradas, Head of LaLiga in Africa, says.

“We’re just getting started and want to promote grassroots football as an educational tool,” the La Liga official adds.

“We are very delighted to be a part of this initiative this year. Our focus is to get things done not only in South Africa but in the whole
continent to assist the development of football and increase our engagement with our fans in Africa.

This beautiful continent offers a large variety of opportunities so we hope that we can strengthen the ties between Spain and Africa.”

Future Champions Gauteng Director, Ray Whelan, regards the Spanish La Liga as one of the most prestigious leagues in the world.

“They (La Liga) have a vision of spreading their football message across the globe. Television is one medium for that, but they are also looking at a more grassroots means of promoting their brand and have chosen to partner with the Future Champions Gauteng for this year and hopefully beyond,” says Whelan.

The tournament played at the Nike Centre in Soweto featured 12 teams from Brazil, China, Italy, Mexico, Mozambique and South Africa.

Athletico emerged winners after a 2-1 victory over local side Bidvest Wits.

Mexico’s Club Tijuana won bronze.

Mamelodi Sundowns from the host province were awarded the La Liga Fair Play Award.