Edgar Legoale Soccer Schools Programme
By Mpho Moloi
The Edgar Legoale Foundation, in partnership with the Free State Department of Education’s Fezile Dabi District, is gearing up to launch the Edgar Legoale Soccer Schools Programme (ELSSP) and the Tumahole High Schools Soccer Tournament on Saturday, 29 March 2025. Foundation Manager Nthabiseng Molejane announced on 27 March 2025 that these initiatives aim to revive soccer in schools, foster discipline, and tackle drug abuse among youth. With a focus on empowering young people, the programmes will kick off at Phehellang Secondary School Hall in Tumahole, Parys, setting the stage for the much-anticipated 2025 Edgar Legoale Knockout Easter Soccer Tournament.
A New Era for Grassroots Soccer in Free State
The Edgar Legoale Soccer Schools Programme (ELSSP) is a game-changer for Free State schools. Designed to breathe new life into soccer, the initiative will encourage the creation of teams in schools where the sport has faded or never existed. It will also strengthen existing teams through local leagues, friendly matches, and inter-school tournaments. “Our goal is to instill a structured sporting environment,” Molejane explained, highlighting how soccer can unite communities, boost physical health, and open doors for young talent.
The programme’s theme, “KEEPING YOUTH FOCUSED, ONE GOAL AT A TIME”, reflects its mission to steer learners towards positive choices. By promoting discipline and leadership, ELSSP aims to combat the growing threat of drug abuse among youth—a pressing issue in South Africa. The launch on 29 March 2025 at 10:00 AM will feature key speakers, including Dr Vusi Chuta, Fezile Dabi District Education Director, alongside voices from Free State Care in Action, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Tumahole Teachers Football Club (TTFC). A former professional soccer player will also inspire attendees, adding star power to the event.
Tumahole High Schools Soccer Tournament: A Step Towards Change
Following the ELSSP launch, the Tumahole High Schools Soccer Tournament will kick off on 12 April 2025. This event brings together six local schools—Phehellang Secondary, Boitlamo Secondary, Yakhisizwe Secondary, Weiveld Agriculture and Hotel School, Schonkenville Intermediate, and Barnard Molokoane Comprehensive—in a celebration of talent and teamwork. Beyond the competition, the tournament doubles as a vital intervention to address social challenges like drug abuse.
“We recognise the urgent need to reach learners at school-going age—before harmful behaviours take root,” Molejane said. The winning school will pocket R10,000 and lead a drug awareness campaign in their community, amplifying the message of a drug-free lifestyle. They’ll also take on the TTFC in an exhibition match on 21 April 2025 during the Easter Tournament finals. The TTFC, a group of local educators turned role models, will receive R10,000 to run their own campaign in schools, reinforcing the initiative’s impact.
Edgar Legoale Easter Knockout Soccer Tournament: Seven Years Strong
The 2025 Edgar Legoale Knockout Easter Soccer Tournament, running from 18 to 21 April at Mandela Sports Ground in Parys-Tumahole, marks seven years of uniting Free State communities through sport. Now a highlight on the province’s soccer calendar, the event will see 16 top teams compete for a R65,000 prize pool: R50,000 for the champions, R10,000 for the runner-up, and R5,000 for third place. Daily matches start at 9:00 AM, promising four days of thrilling action.
This year’s theme, “SAY NO TO DRUGS, YES TO GOALS!”, underscores the foundation’s fight against substance abuse. With drug use rising among South African youth, the tournament offers a positive outlet, blending sport with social good. “As Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, I believe in the power of sport to transform lives. We are raising athletes, leaders, and ambassadors for change—one goal at a time,” said Edgar Legoale. The event will be streamed live on Central News’ digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment.
Tackling a Growing Crisis
The ELSSP and its tournaments come at a critical time. South Africa faces a youth drug crisis, with substances like nyaope and crystal meth devastating communities. In Free State, rural areas like Tumahole are hit hard, where limited opportunities leave young people vulnerable. By pairing soccer with drug awareness, the Edgar Legoale Foundation taps into sport’s ability to inspire and protect. The winning teams’ community campaigns will extend this message, reaching learners, parents, and residents with practical education on the dangers of drugs.
The foundation’s track record adds weight to its efforts. Since launching the Easter Tournament in 2018, it has scouted talent, with players moving on to professional academies. Partnerships with local organisations and government bodies, like the Department of Education, amplify its reach, ensuring a lasting impact on Free State’s youth.
Community and Beyond
The launch event at Phehellang Secondary School—fresh off a stellar 2024 matric performance—sets a hopeful tone. The school’s recent 100% pass rates in subjects like Mathematics and Life Sciences make it a fitting venue to kick off a programme about excellence and ambition. The involvement of SAPS and Free State Care in Action signals a united front against social ills, while the TTFC’s role bridges teachers and learners through sport.
Looking ahead, the ELSSP aims to expand beyond Tumahole, targeting every corner of Free State. Plans include workshops with coaches, mentorship from ex-players, and more tournaments to keep the momentum going. For the foundation, this is about more than soccer—it’s about building a future where young people thrive, free from drugs and full of purpose.
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