By Sello Masilo
The Edgar Legoale Foundation has officially announced the commencement of the annual Pre-Edgar Legoale Knockout 2024 Festive Soccer Tournament, set to kick off on 30 November 2024. This announcement, made on 1 November 2024, outlines the Foundation’s plans for an inclusive tournament featuring games for Juniors under 13 and under 17, women’s teams, and Masters. These categories lead up to the main tournament for senior teams, which will take place from 14-22 December 2024. Interested teams are encouraged to register by the 18 November 2024 closing date.
Dj Pots (Mzwandile Sontyale), the Tournament Manager, expressed his excitement about this year’s event and its expanded categories. “This year, we are excited to host games for Juniors under 13 and 17, women’s teams, and Masters, leading up to the main tournament for senior teams scheduled from 14-22 December 2024. We invite teams to register by the 18 November 2024 closing date,” he said.
The tournament has grown into a prominent event in the Free State, drawing participants and supporters from beyond the region. This growth is a testament to the unwavering support of the community and the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing local talent through sports. Dj Pots highlighted this dedication, saying, “The Foundation is proud to support our winning teams with dedicated prize funds aimed at enabling them to obtain essential soccer equipment, fostering team development and growth, rather than personal enrichment. Over the past six years, this tournament has become a celebrated event in the Free State and beyond, thanks to the unwavering support of our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have helped make this tournament a success.”
Promoting “Pure Kasi Football” and Community Spirit
The Festive Soccer Tournament is much more than a competition; it’s a celebration of “Pure Kasi Football,” a grassroots approach to soccer that embraces the raw talent and passion found within South African communities. This philosophy guides the Foundation’s mission to develop young talent, build unity, and inspire sportsmanship within local communities. The Foundation believes that by providing a platform for young players, women, and older athletes, they are creating opportunities that extend beyond the field.
In line with this vision, the tournament is designed to foster community bonds, encourage participation across various age groups and genders, and promote positive values through sport. According to Dj Pots, “The Festive Soccer Tournament and similar events are central to our mission of promoting ‘Pure Kasi Football,’ a commitment that drives us to nurture young talent in our local communities and inspire a culture of sportsmanship.”
A Social Commitment: Standing Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
This year’s theme, “Together We Stand, Against GBV,” reflects the Foundation’s dedication to using sports as a tool for social change. By aligning the tournament with this theme, the Foundation hopes to inspire conversations, challenge stereotypes, and unite communities in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). The Foundation’s decision to dedicate this year’s event to the GBV cause is rooted in a desire to make a meaningful impact on an issue that affects many South Africans.
“Our tournament aims to inspire conversations, challenge outdated stereotypes, and rally our communities to fight against gender-based violence. Through these efforts, we aim to build a safer, more inclusive society,” Dj Pots explained. This commitment to social responsibility is a defining characteristic of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, which sees sport as a means of empowering communities and fostering social change.
Tournament Structure and Prize Details
The Pre-2024 Festive Soccer Tournament will be held at the Mandela Sports Ground in Parys-Tumahole, Free State, located next to Boitlamo Secondary School. The event is structured to give each category a chance to compete for meaningful prizes, with a “Winner Takes All” prize model:
• Under 13: R5,000
• Under 17: R5,000
• Masters: R5,000
• Women’s Teams: R10,000In a move to encourage participation, team affiliation is free, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented teams from competing. This approach aligns with the Foundation’s goal to foster inclusivity and equal opportunity for all.
The main tournament, scheduled from 14-22 December 2024, will host 32 senior teams who will compete for a total prize fund of R180,000, distributed as follows:
• First Prize: R150,000
• Second Prize: R25,000
• Third Prize: R5,000Matches will begin at 9 am each day at Mandela Sports Ground, and fans can expect thrilling soccer action from top teams across the region.
A Mandate for Social Responsibility: Community GBV Campaign
The Edgar Legoale Foundation is committed to making a positive impact beyond the soccer field. As part of this commitment, the winning team of the main tournament will be required to initiate a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness campaign within their community. This mandate reflects the Foundation’s desire to see sports teams serve as community role models, using their platform to drive social change.
Failure to fulfil this requirement will result in a permanent ban from future tournaments, a policy that the Foundation enforced last year when “Jagermeisters FC” from Vaal was banned for not following through with their campaign after their victory. This initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to create socially responsible leaders who actively contribute to their communities.
A Message from the Chairperson, Edgar Legoale
Edgar Legoale, Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, expressed his appreciation for the teams, sponsors, and community members who support the tournament. “To all youth, women, and Masters teams participating in this year’s tournament: your passion for soccer inspires us all. This tournament is your platform to showcase your skills, strengthen community bonds, and create meaningful change. As we come together for a shared purpose, remember that this event goes beyond soccer – it’s a statement of unity against social issues like GBV that impact us all,” he said.
He also reached out to potential sponsors, encouraging them to join the Foundation’s mission. “We call on you to join us in making a tangible impact. By partnering with us, you’re not only supporting the growth of local talent but also standing up for meaningful social change. Let’s work together to make this tournament a powerful and positive force within our communities,” Legoale added.
Activities and Community Engagement Beyond Soccer
In addition to the soccer matches, the tournament will feature a series of community-focused activities aimed at fostering awareness, education, and support around GBV. These activities include survivor stories, guest speakers, workshops, and expert-led discussions on GBV. Through these sessions, community members will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights, make pledges for change, and engage in meaningful conversations about creating a safer environment for everyone.
The Foundation encourages all community members to participate in these activities, viewing the tournament as a platform for building a culture of awareness, understanding, and accountability.
Sponsorship and Media Partnerships
The Foundation’s success in hosting the Festive Soccer Tournament is made possible by the generous support of sponsors and media partners. Central News is the tournament’s main sponsor, with Blaqsnaps Media and Unplayable also partnering to provide media coverage. The Foundation has introduced a Sponsorship Tier System, offering opportunities for businesses to sponsor the event at various levels, from Bronze to Platinum. Each sponsorship level comes with unique benefits that cater to different levels of investment.
By sponsoring the tournament, companies not only support local soccer talent but also align themselves with the Foundation’s mission to raise awareness about GBV. The sponsorship opportunities available provide businesses with a chance to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility while gaining visibility within the community.
Invitation to the Community
The Edgar Legoale Foundation warmly invites members of the media, the general public, sponsors, and soccer scouts to attend the tournament and witness the incredible local talent on display. Vendors selling food, clothing, and other goods are welcome to set up stalls free of charge, enhancing the event’s atmosphere and making it a family-friendly experience. Vendor registration will open soon, allowing community members to contribute to a vibrant and enjoyable environment.
Tournament Registration and Contact Information
For teams and vendors interested in participating, the Foundation provides the following contact information:
• DJ Pots (Mzwandile Sontyale), Tournament Manager: (078) 466-2089 (available on WhatsApp and Call)
• Blessing Maphisa, Assistant Tournament Manager: +27 76 649 1472 (WhatsApp) or +27 673038688 (Call)For additional information, teams and interested parties can reach the Foundation by email at soccer@edgarlegoale.com.
Stay updated on the tournament and the Foundation’s initiatives by following them on social media:
• Facebook: @elksc and @edgarlegoalefoundation
• Twitter: Elkschallenge
• Instagram: @edgarlegoalefoundationDownload Here:
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