Our Strategic Partners
Empowering Blind Football Together
Our History: From Streets to Stadiums
The story of the JBFA is deeply intertwined with Corinthians Africa, a social enterprise founded in 2012 by Mlungisi Msibi. Originally focused on youth development, the vision expanded in 2021 when two blind boys asked a simple question: “We want to play.”
What began as a grassroots initiative in South Hills' parks ignited a movement. Partnering with the Johannesburg Society for the Blind (JSB), we formalized the sport and birthed the Blind Football Super League.
2025
NEDBANK CSI4
Founding Teams2024
BRICS Games2021
Founded
Our passionate community supporting the league.
Nedbank Best CSI Project
Awarded for our commitment to transforming lives in 2025.
Founding Teams
Meet the four pioneering teams that made history in the inaugural season of the Blind Football Super League.
Corinthians Africa
The heartbeat of the league and 2025 Champions.
Protea Tigers
Fierce competitors with a strong defensive record.
Future Stars
Developing the next generation of blind athletes.
Silver Stars
Known for their tactical play and resilience.
Rules of
The Game
Blind football follows many FIFA laws, but specific adaptations ensure safety and competitiveness for visually impaired athletes.
“Listen to the game”
The Players
Each team has 4 outfield players (B1 classification) and 1 sighted goalkeeper. The ball contains ball bearings that make noise, and players shout "voy" when moving to avoid collisions.
Audible Ball
Filled with ball bearings, the ball rattles in motion, allowing players to track its position by sound.
Silence Please
The crowd must remain completely silent so players can hear the ball and guides. Cheer only for goals!
The 'VOY' Rule
Defenders MUST shout 'VOY' (I go) when moving toward the attacker to prevent head-on collisions.
The 'Eyes'
Two sighted guides—the goalkeeper and a head guide behind the opponent's goal—shout instructions.
Match Duration
Two halves of 15-20 minutes. The clock stops whenever the ball is out of play or for fouls.
Why the Boards?
The pitch is surrounded by 1-meter high kickboards. These keep the ball in play (no throw-ins!) and allow players to navigate the field using high-impact acoustic localization—bouncing passes to themselves and feeling their position relative to the boundaries.
Our Vision.
“A football pitch is more than just a place to play—it is a launchpad for independence, professional growth, and economic empowerment.”
At the Blind Football League, we don't just develop athletes; we develop citizens equipped for the modern economy.
The Mission
To provide a world-class competitive league that serves as a catalyst for social transformation.
Hidden Potential
Using football to unlock the hidden potential of the visually impaired community in South Africa.
Social Transformation
Paving the way for equality and representation on the global Paralympic stage.
Make an Impact
GET INVOLVED
Transforming lives through sport requires a village. Join our movement and help us pave the way for excellence in South African blind football.
Donate
Support our teams with equipment, audible balls, and tournament travel costs.
Volunteer
Become a sighted guide, coach assistant, or event organizer at our monthly games.
Partner
Join forces as a corporate sponsor to scale the league across South Africa.
Spread the Word
Follow our story on social media and help us challenge perceptions of disability.