Bolabet Zambia has launched a grassroots football tournament worth around K2.5 million called Bola Yamu Hood, which will see community clubs in seven townships in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces compete for a grand prize.
The tournament begins on June 22, 2024, in Bauleni compound and will be broadcast live on Diamond TV. Its objective is to identify talent that will benefit grassroots football.
“There is an opportunity for some players who may have been overlooked by Super League or National Division One clubs to show us something on the national stage and gain exposure,” BolaBet CEO Justin Palmer said.
“For us as BolaBet, we want to work with the community and show the world what these communities have to offer in terms of talent,” he added.
Palmer emphasized the importance of grassroots football and urged football stakeholders across the country to support BolaBet’s initiative to identify talent in the communities.
Communities applauds BolaBet
Meanwhile, Kaluba Kangwa, a coach from Bauleni speaking on behalf of the community clubs, praised BolaBet’s initiative to bring football back to the grassroots.
“We have so much talent in the compound that lacks exposure. The parents and everyone in the communities are excited to have this opportunity, which could unearth the next superstars. So thank you, BolaBet,” Kangwa said.
Eight teams from seven compounds, including Bauleni, Garden, Mutendere, and Kanyama, will compete from Lusaka. And on the Copperbelt, the tournament will be held in Wusakile, Mulenga, and Kamitondo townships.
BolaBet also announced that the compound with a large turnout during the tournament will have a borehole drilled in their community.
The betting company will also provide the clubs with kits, footballs, and cash, an area they struggle in.
