HISTORY
THE RHINO CUP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

RHINO CUP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
​BRIEF HISTORY

In 2016, Wild and Free Foundation traveled to the rural villages in southern Mozambique where a high percentage of the young men were being arrested or killed trying to poach rhinos, and we asked a simple question, “How can we help?”, their answer, “Futbol.”

The community members said they needed help with an organized soccer league to keep the young men busy and motivated. These villages border Kruger National Park in South Africa where 85% of Africa’s remaining rhinos live, which is why these are the communities where rhino poachers are being recruited from by organized crime syndicates.

“Every village already has a soccer field and the people are knowledgeable and passionate about the game, but there are no uniforms, shoes, or referees. We don’t have a way to transport teams to play each other, maintain the fields, ...” Chief Billa

In 2017 we launched The Rhino Cup Champions League with 12 teams, which in 2020 has grown to 24 teams with the addition of a Women’s League. We now serve more than 600 players, coaches, and managers, directly affecting the number of rhinos poached and the number of people being killed or arrested.
​
In 2019, Kruger National Park officials estimated that the Rhino Cup Champions League was responsible for saving 10 rhinos per month during the season, and statistics from the villages show a 90% reduction in the number of deaths and arrests of young men during the soccer season. The league is making a difference!

Club de Corumana (Red) vs Dakar F.C (Green) - August 2016

Club de Corumana (White) vs Tchuela F.C (Blue) - July 2017

Club de Corumana (Yellow) vs Chelsea F.C (Blue) - July 2017

Can the Game of Soccer Save the Rhinoceros?

TIMELINE
THE RHINO CUP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

RCCL 2016​

“How can we help?”

Wild and Free Foundation arranges first community meeting​ in Sabie, Mozambique and asks, ​“how can we help?”
Their reply, “futbol”.

RCCL 2017

First Rhino Cup Tournament in Mozambique

The first Rhino Cup soccer tournament was played over three weeks with 12 men’s teams comprised of 204 players and coaches playing for the Rhino Cup and prize money.

RCCL 2018​

League Committee Formed

The community suggested we start an official league with12 teams playing a 6- month season. A league committee was formed, and 
The Rhino Cup Champions League kicked-off its first season on April 6 with 12 men’s teams totaling 300 players and coaches,
​playing 264 games.

RCCL 2019

Women’s Rhino Cup Champions League

The inaugural season of the Women’s Rhino Cup Champions League kicked-off on July 10, 2019.
With 6 teams from primary schools (high school age). With 12 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams, 420 players and coaches participated in the league, and over 16,000 spectators watched a total of 324 games. Over 1,300 spectators attended the final games and awards ceremony.

RCCL 2020​

League delayed due to Coronavirus concerns

The 2020 Rhino Cup Champions League in Mozambique is postponed.

​The players and coaches are very disappointed as they have been training hard for the season, and the whole community was looking forward to the kick-off. The League has become an important part of people's lives... we can't wait to begin again.
Stay strong Mozambique! America and Wild and Free stands with you during this challenging time.
See you soon!

Two new teams were added to the Men’s League for a total of 14. Four new teams were added to the Women’s League for a total of 10. ​Each team will have 25 representatives:
​20 players, 2 coaches, and 3 managers. 
600 total players, coaches, and managers. 528 total games.

OFFICIAL RCCL WEBSITE

WHY THE RHINO CUP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATTERS?

Londy Ngomane

Tchuela F.C. 
Liz's Lions

"First of all, to say that the world is all paralyzed due to the Corona Virus, and I am particularly sorry for that..."

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Orlando "Watch" Cossa

Coach, Club De Corumana
RCCL Committee President

"and with deep pain that the whole world is losing their families with the pandemic of the Covid-19 aka corona virus..."

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Bito Billa

Club de Corumana
(Leading scorer in the RCCL)

For me, the RCCL brought a change, evolution, and improvement in our locality and in local football.

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Manuel Ngomane

Tchuela F.C. 
Liz's Lions

"it is everyone's desire not to practice this hunt because we have already lost many siblings due to this negative practice..."

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