The aim of the soccer tournament is to support and identify soccer talent in disadvantaged communities.

The third tournament, which was sponsored by FAW and was held towards the end of last year, saw 16 teams battling it out for the honours. The tournament was officiated by SAFA Makhuduthamaga referees and attracted two SAFA executive management officers.

All participating clubs were gifted soccer balls for their participation, while there were cash prizes for the teams that reached the semi-final. The overall winners walked away with an impressive trophy, while runners-up received medals.

“FAW Trucks South Africa are honoured to sponsor the Phatje Youth Annual Sports tournament as we believe it is a great opportunity to encourage participation in sport and help identify sporting talent.

“The benefits of youth participating in sports are far reaching and include promoting a healthy lifestyle while also preventing youth from getting involved in crime or underage alcohol use,” says Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks South Africa.

The sponsorship handover took place at the Masemola Tribal offices where Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks South Africa, personally made the donation to the tournament organisers. The handover ceremony was attended by tournament organisers as well as representatives from SAFA and government.

Thomas Makgabo Sibushi Kgomo, the chief director of the department of sports, art, culture and recreation for the Limpopo Province delivered words of support as part of the proceedings.

“2023 sees FAW Trucks celebrate 29 years in South Africa, and we are heavily invested in the local economy as a significant employer and a local manufacturer and as such we feel that it is our duty to assist local communities with initiatives such as these, whenever possible,” concluded Yongjun.

• One of FAW Trucks biggest goals for 2023 is to surpass 15 000 units of production. The manufacturing facility recently invested in a number of new employees in order to meet their recent production milestones and will integrate this additional manpower while also incorporating modifications to the existing factory processes and technology in order to meet these targets.
• FAW Trucks will also be expanding its dealer network to ensure that the company has widespread representation throughout South Africa to meet this growing demand. This will include the opening of new dealers in a number of new as well as existing locations. These dealers will include both fully fledged sales and service dealers as well as dealers focused solely on service as the brand endeavours to improve its parts and aftersales distribution and servicing ability, especially in close proximity to large fleet owners or operations.