All Systems Go for Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament
Tournament manager DJ Pots (Mzandile Sontyale) has unveiled the 32 selected teams for the highly anticipated Edgar Legoale Knockout Festive Soccer Tournament 2025, drawing from a pool of 111 applications from across South Africa. The announcement, made live on Central News platforms earlier this week, signals that it’s all systems go for what promises to be a thrilling, community-driven event celebrating pure kasi football.
This year’s edition marks the seventh anniversary of the tournament, powered by Central News and the Edgar Legoale Foundation. With no affiliation fees required – a deliberate move to support struggling grassroots teams – the competition has attracted widespread interest, highlighting its growing status as a festive season staple in Free State soccer circles.
Fair Selection Process Amid High Demand
DJ Pots went live on Monday to reveal the chosen sides, emphasising the transparency and fairness of the selection. Out of 111 hopefuls from provinces including Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State and North West, only 32 made the cut following the official selection date of 27 November 2025.
The Edgar Legoale Foundation chairman, Edgar Legoale, praised Pots and his organising team for their stellar work. “Its all systems go for the tournament,” Legoale said, hailing the “wonderful work they are doing and for running a fair process to select teams that will take part in the tournament.”
Legoale reiterated his commitment to making all Edgar Legoale tournaments free of charge moving forward. “Legoale previously mentioned that all edgar Legoale tournaments will now be free to take part in no more affiliation legoale said many teams are struggling,” he explained, underscoring the foundation’s goal to remove financial barriers and foster broader participation in community sport.
The Line-Up: 32 Teams Ready to Battle for Glory
The selected teams, predominantly from Parys and surrounding areas but with representation from Soweto, Sasolburg, Sebokeng and beyond, are as follows:
- Phoenix FC – Parys
- Nicaragua – Sasol
- Coras United – Mafube
- Technocrats – Sasolburg
- Amaroto – Bophelong
- Mighty Blues – Limpopo
- Vaal Future – Sebokeng
- Rata Manaka – Sebokeng
- Majestic – Soweto
- Manchester FC – Vrede
- Shooting Stars – Sasolburg
- Paraza United – Koppies
- Elite SA – Parys
- Kungwane FC – Brits
- Working on Fire – Parys
- Barca Munich – Three Rivers
- Perfect Academy – Vaal
- Ultimate – Parys
- Black Juventus – Soweto
- Sanitizer – Parys
- Marikana – Parys
- Kapa die Hond – Parys
- Royal Evans – Parys
- Milano – Parys
- Tiki Taka – Potchefstroom
- Happiness SD – Sebokeng
- University of Cabara – Cornelia
- Covid FC – Koppies
- Deportivo – Vrededorf
- Junior Eagles – BFN
- Pistol Swallows – Parys
- Young Ones Central – Parys
These squads represent a mix of local talent and ambitious underdogs, all vying for the top honours in what has become a showcase for emerging stars and community pride.
Tournament Details: Dates, Venue, Prizes and Social Impact
The action kicks off from 13 to 21 December 2025 at the Mandela Sports Ground in Tumahole, Parys – conveniently located near Boitlamo Secondary School in the Free State. Matches start at 9am daily, with the tournament draw set for 6 December 2025 to determine the knockout brackets.
In a bid to make this edition even more impactful, the Edgar Legoale Foundation has introduced a R100,000 giveaway alongside the main prizes: R80,000 for the champions, R15,000 for runners-up, and R5,000 for third place. Team affiliation remains completely free, but there’s a meaningful twist – the winning team must initiate a gender-based violence (GBV) awareness campaign in their community.
This compulsory element aligns with the tournament’s theme: “Kick GBV Out of Kasi.” Legoale and organisers see the event as more than just sport; it’s a platform to address social issues, mobilise youth and build safer neighbourhoods. “Every means possible must be used” to combat GBV, as echoed in similar calls from political leaders like Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero.
The tournament will be livestreamed on all Central News digital platforms, ensuring fans nationwide can tune in. Sponsors like Unplayable and Nzunga Music Entertainment add to the festive vibe, with opportunities for teams to submit profiles and motivations via WhatsApp or email.
A Legacy of Community Empowerment
Founded seven years ago by the Edgar Legoale Foundation, the knockout tournament has evolved into a beacon of hope for amateur clubs, offering a stage for talent scouting and community upliftment. Past editions have drawn crowds of thousands, with drone shots capturing packed fields and electric atmospheres.
Legoale, a passionate advocate for grassroots development, started the event to honour local heroes and provide free opportunities in a sport often gated by costs. By scrapping fees, the foundation aims to level the playing field, especially for teams from under-resourced areas like Parys, Sasolburg and Soweto.
With 111 applications this year – a record high – the tournament’s popularity is soaring. Organisers encourage unselected teams to try again next year and urge supporters to rally behind the selected sides for what promises to be nine days of pure kasi passion.
For more information, contact tournament manager DJ Pots on 078 466 2089 or email soccer@edgarlegoale.com. Follow updates on @edgarlegoalefoundation, @edgarlegoaleknockout, and www.edgarlegoale.com.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes Tony Yengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴
Read more⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://centralnews.co.za/central-news-weekly-edition-issue-116-download-the-latest-print-and-e-edition-headline-jacob-zuma-welcomes-tonyyengeni-to-mk-party-as-second-deputy-president-in-major-leadership-shake-up/
Read all our publications on magzter:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube