MoneyGram, global provider of innovative money transfers, launched today the second edition of GOAL football tournament in Guangzhou. Following the success of inaugural event in 2016, this year the competition has been expanded to a 7-a-side tournament to enable more footballers representing the African community to take part in the structured competition that will run for three consecutive Saturdays and culminate in Grand Finals on June 10.
GOAL’s official inauguration was hosted by MoneyGram representatives and Obafemi Martins, the legendary African footballer, currently playing for Shanghai Shenhua. The MoneyGram GOAL tournament has successfully brought a structured football competition to the African communities who have a strong affiliation and passion for the game. This year, 50 African teams from the nations of Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Gabon and Central African Republic have registered to compete for the Grand Prize of USD 5,000, the prestigious trophy and champion’s title.
“The expanded tournament showcases that MoneyGram is committed to football. It was great to have the legendary African Footballer of Obafemi Martins launch our tournament today as football plays such an important role in the everyday life of the African community,” says Sabrina Chan, MoneyGram’s Regional marketing head, Asia and China & Mongolia.
Obafemi Martins officially opened the GOAL tournament today and met with the African community to first-hand their professional game and passion for football. Martins also conducted a coaching master class for 15 lucky MoneyGram customers.
“It is has been a pleasure and honour to open GOAL tournament and see MoneyGram supporting and developing football for our African communities in China. Football is our passion and you can see from today that this has been fully embraced by the whole African community in Guangzhou,” said Obafemi Martins.
Football fans and teams’ supporters are invited to take part in the GOAL Tournament on June 3 and 10 at the venue of ALL IN Football Ground (170 Xin’gang’dong Road).
