Aspiring eFootball stars from across South Africa will get a shot at global glory at Comic Con Africa 2025, as Telkom VS Gaming brings the SAFA eDiski Qualifiers to NASREC from 28 – 31 August.
In partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA), the qualifiers offer local gamers the chance to compete for a spot on the FIFAe National Squad, representing South Africa on the world stage. “This is where future esports stars are born,” says Johann Von Backstrom, Telkom VS Gaming spokesperson. “Gamers from across the country can showcase their skills and earn the chance to represent South Africa internationally.”
The tournament will feature eight high-intensity open qualifiers over four days, each following a single-elimination format and capped at 32 players or 16 teams. Winners from the open qualifiers will advance to the closed trials on 20 – 21 September, where South Africa’s top talent will battle it out in a round-robin format. From these trials, the FIFAe National Squad will be selected — the ultimate dream for any aspiring eFootball professional.
Gamers can register on the day at Comic Con Africa, provided they meet a few requirements: they must be 16 years or older, compete on console, hold a valid South African passport, and have a valid fifa.gg account. For those unable to attend in person, an online open qualifier will give two teams a chance to advance to the closed trials, alongside 8 players invited from the eDiski Top 8.
“This initiative isn’t just about gaming — it’s about talent, national pride, and opportunity,” says Lydia Monyepao, SAFA CEO. “Through the eDiski Qualifiers, young South Africans can compete on an international platform, joining the likes of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana in representing the country.”
Fans attending Comic Con Africa can expect intense matches, skilled gameplay, and the electrifying atmosphere of a live audience. With the chance to make it onto the national squad, the qualifiers mark a key milestone in South Africa’s growing esports landscape.
Also read: What not to miss at Comic Con Africa 2025
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