As earlier communicated in March, the African Continental league was slated to happen from March till later this year. However, due to the unprecedented times of Covid-19 we are in at the moment, the Africa 5s Premier Social League organizers and partners such as Nile Special and Castle Lager have made the difficult decision to cancel the league for this year. This makes the league the latest sports event to join the growing list of Sports events that have been cancelled this year because of Covid-19; with the other being the MTN Uganda France Friendship Week which had to be closed with a football match between the Ugandan football legends and players from all Francophone countries such as Cameroon, Senegal among others cancelled due to the pandemic’s outbreak.
The Africa 5s Premier Social League organizers do say that an alternative date will be set but in 2021 when it will be safe for all participants. For now, the league is off. 😪
The cancellation of this year’s league applies to all markets apart except Zambia, which will resume with the regional and national league and are expected to play between August & October 2020; as they had already kicked off.
You could have read all this far and ask yourself; what is Africa5s; well, The Africa 5s is a continental social football league where football and friends come together over a beer. Having Initially launched with five countries in 2018, the Africa 5s continental social football league saw expansion and regional diversity and growth; from five countries to eight countries as well as the inclusion of a woman’s league. This year’s edition was set to grow even further with the addition of eight more countries as well as a partnership with sister brands Dourada, Club, Carling Black Label, Castle Free, Nile Special, Safari as well as Trophy.
The Ugandan leg had been earlier launched in a grand fashion at Fast Sports Fusion in Industrial area. Nile Breweries’ marketing manager Francis Nyende, KFM’s Patrick Kanyomozi, officials from FUFA, media personalities, artists, as well as other high dignitaries graced the grand launch.
Some of the ushers on duty during the launch of the 2020 Africa5s Launch
Following World Health Organization’s declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic; various measures implemented by Governments on the continent were taken so as to curb the virus, it is for this reason that the Africa Fives Organizers through Nile Special among other AbinBev partner brands have declared the postponement of all 2020 Africa 5s activities.
The 2020 finals had been ear marked and were to happen in this month of June in South Africa. This year’s edition had been designed to be a special one with an increase of the participating teams from 8 to 16; with each of the countries contributing two teams (one male and female apiece).
According to a press release on the www.Africa5s.com website; the organizers did say; “We understand that this decision may disappoint the football community, but in the spirit of encouraging social distancing and playing our part in curbing the virus, we have to make this difficult yet necessary decision on the basis that football is a highly social sport that is enjoyed in large groups.”
Later in the year, the overall winners were to travel with former Cameroon captain and Africa legend (who holds the record for the most goals at the Africa Cup of Nations) and also doubles in roles as the Africa5s Ambassador; Samuel Eto’o to Milan in Italy for the Milan derby between Inter Milan & AC Milan.
A long with the teams, each country was due to travel with 10 super fans would also travel to the continental finals. According to the Q&A statement released still on the Africa5s website, a decision that for the first time in the history of the Africa 5s was reached; that the winner’s prize is to be rewarded a monetary value totaling to $15 000 for each of the teams instead of the trip. An additional communication indicated that much as it is unfortunate that participants will not be getting this experience, however, the safety of the consumers remains the number one of the AbinBev family and partners. Furthermore, the organizers do truly believe that the teams can use the prize money to better their lives.”
Entries for participants across all countries will effectively be extended to the 31st of July 2020 and will only be through web entries (online). As some of the markets had already started receiving entries, all teams which had entered for the 2020 League will gain automatic promotion (entries) into the 2021 edition of the campaign.
The league organizers have opted for an alternative date in 2021 when it will be safe for all participants; as per their Twitter communications and across other platforms saying:
Following the announcement of the postponement of the 2020 Africa 5s due to the Covid-19 global outbreak, consumers from the various countries will have to stay tuned to the allocated brand communication, where dates for the respective country finals will be communicated. Alternatively, you can visit campaign website on www.Africa5s.com / Twitter page:- @Africa Fives or follow the #Africa5s to further communication on the campaign.
For the mean time, you can keep ordering some NBL refreshments any day any time and they will deliver to your doorstep in between day up to 4Pm with NBL Beer Now. Visit www.beernow.ug to do so. Remember, to stay safe and watch out for yourself and your loved ones.
