
Welcome to Cheza, a youth-led organization focused on using traditional African sports to drive social change and promote innovation. Founded in 2013, we believe that African sports have the potential to make a significant impact on society and should be given the same level of attention as mainstream sports. Our mission is to create a global movement around traditional African sports and use them as a tool for social and economic development, unity, and cultural preservation. We aim to inspire a new generation of African sports stars and promote the health and well-being benefits of physical activity. At Cheza, we specialize in the redesign and rebranding of traditional African games like kwepena, omweso, and more, into 21st-century sports. We believe that these games are more than just fun activities, they are an essential part of Africa’s heritage and cultural identity. We work with schools, colleges, clubs, community groups, and organizations across the continent to create programs that encourage participation and develop talent in traditional African sports. Our team of coaches, trainers, and ambassadors are passionate about bringing African sports to the forefront of the global sports industry. Join us in celebrating Africa’s unique sporting heritage and help us create a future where traditional African sports take center stage.
At Cheza, we combine culture, sports, and innovation to create transformative programs that benefit young people, schools, and communities
By redesigning and standardizing games like Kwepena (ChezaDodge), Duulu, and Bladda, we are creating a sustainable sporting ecosystem that fosters participation, talent development, and cultural preservation.
For centuries, the people of Africa have been playing traditional sports and games, many of which have been passed down from generation to generation. Among these games is Kwepena, a popular game played by children and adults alike, which involves dodging a ball thrown by other players. Interestingly, Kwepena is known by different names in different regions of Africa. In Kenya, it’s called Kati, in Tanzania, it’s known as Rede, in Rwanda, it’s referred to as Agapira, in Namibia, it’s known as Butu, in Zambia, it’s called Maflawu, in South Africa, it’s known as Ditene, and in Jamaica, it’s called Dandy Shandy. The many names of Kwepena reflect the rich diversity of African cultures and the unique variations of the game in different regions. Each name has a story behind it, a history that reflects the cultural and linguistic heritage of the people who play the game. So far, this is what we have done to continue this evolution.
The Cheza Association www.kwepena.com and the World Dodgeball (WD)
www.dodgeball.sport are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership dedicated to fostering the growth and development of ChezaDodge (Kwepena, Agapira, Kati, Butu), the exciting African variation of Dodgeball, across Africa and internationally
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Cheza
Association to simultaneously develop Kwepena, Kati, Butu and Dodgeball which will provide greater opportunities for communities and nations across Africa. Tom Hickson, President. World Dodgeball.