Absa, University of Venda form football league

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South Africa has one of the world's highest rates of hypertension. Statistics from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, about 130 people have a heart attack and 240 have a stroke every day in the country. (File photo)

South Africa has one of the world’s highest rates of hypertension. (File photo)

Absa Bank has donated the money to create a 10-team league at the university to promote student health.

“We are always encouraging healthy lifestyles among our youth,” said Absa’s Provincial Head of Business Banking Cobus Wells. “We are always sponsoring sports in this country as we believe that, through sports, we can have a healthy nation free of high blood pressure and obesity”.

Local Polokwane City Football Club goal keeper Harold Ndlovu attended the recent launch of the league, which coincided with a coaching clinic that paired students with local football stars.

According to University of Venda Spokesperson Takalani Dzaga, the university’s new league would help elevate the level of football in the area. With an annual playoff with a cash prize, the league may even help some students settle student debt, Dzaga told OurHealth.